893.102S/2354: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 3—10 a.m.]
1189. Chungking’s No. 557, November 2, 10 [8?] a.m. to Department which is now being deciphered. French Consul General informed me last night that meeting would be held within next day or two (perhaps today) with judges of Chinese court in French Concession to explore means of finding a “graceful way out” of the court difficulty. My colleague informed me that the Japanese had been pressing him for a decision and that they had said they would expect reply by November 5. It is now practically certain that within the next few days the courts in the French Concession will cease to function as courts of the National Government. A joint administration of the courts could be arranged even with the consent of the Chungking authorities. It is scarcely likely that the Japanese would agree to such an arrangement. While it would be hazardous to make a [Page 828] prediction, I gather that it is expected that at an appointed time all, or at least the majority of judges will fail to appear for duty and that judges representing the Nanking regime will take office and that the French will interpose no objection to their functioning. A more detailed report will be submitted later.62
Sent to the Department, repeated to Chungking and Peiping.
- Not printed.↩