124.93/145
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
Sir: Referring to the Department’s telegram No. 362 of October 27, 1928, and previous correspondence, regarding the proposal to raise the Chinese Legation here and the American Legation in Peking and several other Legations to the status of embassies, there is enclosed herewith for your information a copy of a memorandum of a conversation of November 15, between the Secretary of State and the Chinese Minister on this subject.23 It may be added for your information that the Secretary has discussed informally with the representatives of the principal powers interested the proposal made by the Chinese Government that the respective diplomatic missions concerned be raised to the grade of embassy, and that the general opinion seems to be that the present time is not opportune for the taking of this measure. No decision has been arrived at by this Government in regard to the proposal.
I am [etc.]