893.00/3728
The Chinese Legation to the Department of State
Memorandum
The Military Government of the Southwest Provinces having been dissolved, it is reported that the self-styled Military Government of the Province of Kwangtung has made known to the diplomatic representatives of foreign governments its intention to obtain control of the Maritime Customs of the treaty ports in the Southwest Provinces.
The only governmental agenc charged with the administration of the Maritime Customs of China is the Inspectorate General of the Maritime Customs.
[Page 499]The action on the part of the Province of Kwangtung to divide the country and bring about a separation cannot be permitted and will not be recognized by the Government of the Republic of China.