123 M 221/124: Telegram
The Chargé in China ( Mayer ) to the Secretary of State
Peking
,
April 27,
1925—1 p.m.
[Received April 27—8:45 a.m.]
[Received April 27—8:45 a.m.]
174. Legation’s 150, April 10, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- In spite of previous assurances to his French and Belgian colleagues of his solidarity with them in respect to presentation of letters of credence and only having notified them after the audience with Tuan Chi-jui for purpose of presentation had been arranged, the Spanish Minister, who arrived in Peking after the French and Belgian Ministers, presented his letters of credence April 24th last with usual remarks which in no way referred to provisional character of government or reserved any rights regarding de jure recognition. Monsieur Garrido alleged to act in accordance with instructions from his Government which he had not requested and assured the French and Belgian Ministers that this formality did not imply de jure recognition. Spanish Minister’s letters of credence were in the name of the President of the Republic.
- 2.
- The French and Belgian Ministers have telegraphed for instructions, stating that in these circumstances without agreeing with the Spanish Minister they consider it necessary not to delay longer the presentation of their letters of credence in order not to be anticipated by the new American Minister who must soon be arriving.
- 3.
- From conversation this morning with French and Belgian Ministers, I concluded that they are not interested in hastening the presentation of their letters of credence but only wish quite properly to safeguard themselves as regards their diplomatic posts at Peking. French Minister anticipates his and American Government will discuss the matter; and if our Government agrees not to have new American Minister present credentials before French Minister, opportunity will be afforded for further discussion of this question of presentation of letters of credence and de jure recognition.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mayer