893.51/3083: Telegram
The Minister in China (Crane) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 25—2:09 a.m.]
402. Department has doubtless learned British Government refrained from making consortium announcement on 20th due to Chargé d’Affaires’ advice against making any public announcement on the subject at this time in view of opposition [to] consortium in China. Chargé d’Affaires’ advice was given on general principles before he had any knowledge of proposal to make joint announcement [Page 598] or before Addis interview which latter Chargé deplores. Today’s meeting four Legations agreed upon form of joint note along lines of Department’s 344, November 20, 1 p.m. British Chargé d’Affaires has telegraphed to London for authority to join the three other Legations. Announcement of 20th has not provoked any particular comment in Chinese circles. Chow34 finally sent sufficiently definite invitation to groups so that they called upon him 23rd. Groups are sending identic telegram describing interview35 to which Legation refers.
Legation feels that action of Chow in receiving groups constitutes answer to Lamont’s query in the Department’s 333, November 15, 5 p.m.35 Legation has deemed wisest to refrain from any direct inquiries on this point.