File No. 793.94/333a.
The Secretary of State to Ambassador Guthrie.
Washington, April 2, 1915—9 p.m.
The newspapers report that the proposal in regard to Han-yeh-ping Corporation includes a provision which would give to the Japanese interests the right of veto over any competing mining developments in the Yangtse region. Will you please ascertain whether anything is contemplated which would discriminate against the nationals of other countries and if so what territory is understood to be included in the area thus described. In the confidential communication submitted to us the language used is “Agreement in principle to have the Han-yeh-ping Iron and Coal Company become a Chino-Japanese corporation at an appropriate time in the future.” There is no suggestion in the memorandum of anything that would discriminate against the nationals of other countries.