893.102S/2360: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 8—4:15 p.m.]
1224. Reference my 1221, November 8, 4 p.m., transfer of District Court for Second Special Area to authorities of the Nanking regime. This office on numerous occasions [is called on to?] address this and other Chinese Courts on requests for authentications, for subpoenas for the appearance of witnesses in the United States Court for China, estate matters, et cetera; and receives numerous requests from this court for information and services of various kinds.
While official correspondence with the new judicial authorities might appear to constitute a measure of recognition of the Nanking regime, this Consulate General considers that as a practical matter it is essential that relations be maintained with this Chinese Court. Most correspondence with Chinese Courts involving Americans is conducted through this office and the Consulate General is frequently called upon to request various services from Chinese Courts.
[Page 832]The Department’s instructions on the matter of relations with these new judicial authorities is respectfully requested inasmuch as a request for the subpoena of three Chinese witnesses has been received today from the United States Court for China.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Chungking and Peiping.