893.841 Surtax/5: Telegram

The Minister in China ( MacMurray ) to the Secretary of State

718. Department’s 280, July 9, 2 p.m.; Legation’s 708, July 9, noon;90 and second paragraph Legation’s 711, July 9, 4 p.m.

1.
Pursuant to the policy as set forth in telegram first mentioned, regarding protest against recent illegal exactions imposed or to be imposed by Nationalist regime, I reserved our Government’s position at the diplomatic body meeting this morning.
[2.]
The following identic telegram is being sent to their respective consuls at Shanghai by the other diplomatic representatives concerned:

“American Minister having referred to his Government is not yet in a position to join protest against increase of tonnage dues. You should [keep?] in touch with American consul general [and] with all other colleagues and protest individually without delay unless consular body considers that situations warrants [sic] delay of a few days when America may be in a position to join.”

For the Minister:
Mayer
  1. Ante, p. 393.