793.00/105: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—3:35 p.m.]
300. Your telegram number 170 July 28, 2 p.m. 1. I feel very strongly that phrase “tariff autonomy” ought not to be used [garbled group]. As the sentence is phrased the omission suggested by you would seem to imply opening Special Conference for the reconsideration of all treaty matters including such questions as missionary rights and the surrender of concessions and leased territories which the interested powers would not of course consent to discuss. To make your meaning entirely definite might I not substitute the words “treaty provisions dealing with customs duties” for “looking toward ultimate tariff autonomy.”