893.5045/240: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 14—2:35 p.m.]
435. My telegram number 431, October 9, 4 p.m.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. In reply to request that he advise me confidentially of any reasons he might have to apprehend obstacles to the carrying out of the work he had undertaken, Johnson has now telegraphed me in strict confidence:
“Up to the present time, there is no reason to believe that any proof will be presented to an audience except by Municipal Council, McEuen, Everson and Martin.30 An ex parte inquiry with biased witnesses cannot be satisfactory. Opposition to inquiry very general, by best people of all nationalities, based upon prior investigations, and I have another solution of the difficulty more equitable and just to all concerned of which I shall be glad to give suggestion, if desired. The result of the present inquiry will not change public opinion and the inquiry will be of no avail. The long delay of the present inquiry has been unfortunate. Shall insist upon having presented certified copy of the proof taken in the Mixed Court and anticipate serious objections thereto. Shall endeavor to conduct an impartial inquiry into subjects submitted for investigation.”
3. I am replying that I should be glad to consider any suggestions he may care to offer though I do not think it would prove feasible to substitute for the inquiry any other arrangement for dealing with the matter; and that I have the utmost confidence in his determination to make inquiry as full and impartial as possible and to bring out whatever he may convince himself is the truth of the matter even though this may compel him to submit a minority report.
- Commissioner of police, police inspector, and assistant commissioner of police, respectively, in the Shanghai International Settlement.↩