Office of the Historian

893.102 Ic/10: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Ruddock) to the Secretary of State

Peking, July 21, 1921—6 p.m.
[Received July 22—11:23 a.m.]

268. Your 198, July 15th, 6 p.m. The two Legations would welcome Department’s proposals if possible execution but this unfortunately appears doubtful. Unanimity diplomatic corps on abolition of asylum improbable. Japanese Legation refused to deny asylum 1920. Still harbors Anfus. Right to grant asylum always claimed for French concession Shanghai where Chang Ching-yao recently sheltered. Also opposition certain smaller countries apprehended.

While unanimity diplomatic corps on the proposal for personal responsibility and punitive damages probably obtainable, previous efforts to fix blame through such measures for foreign losses have resulted in failure as in the case of Chang Ching-yao.

Also feared insistence upon principle of personal responsibility would result in attacks on foreigners and foreign property by enemies of officials in power to discredit latter.

Would the Department assent to proposal of diplomatic body if limited to a term of years?

Ruddock