893.74/137
The Chinese Minister (Sze) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the 8th of January last an agreement was made between the Ministry of Communications, on behalf of the Chinese Government, and the Federal Telegraph Company, an American corporation, for the erection and operation, as a joint enterprise of the Chinese Government and the American Company, of stations for wireless communication. Against this agreement protests were presented to my Government by certain Governments, claiming that by granting to the American Company the right of participation with the Chinese Government in wireless communications the rights of their nationals secured under prior contracts were violated.
In a recent conversation with you on the subject I understood from you that the American Government could not admit the validity of such claims by reason of their contravening the treaty rights of American citizens in China and the principle of “the Open Door”.
My Government is informed that these Governments have explained their views to you, and therefore instructs me to inquire [Page 439] whether or not it is the intention of the American Government to maintain its position in the matter.
Accept [etc.]