125.643/62: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
372. Legation’s 807, November 3, 5 p.m., and 808, November 4, 8 a.m. Careful attention has been given by the Department to the [Page 365] problem presented in these telegrams and to the Minister’s views, which are said to be shared by the commander in chief, in regard to a salute to the flag which has been proposed as a part of the ceremonies incident to the reoccupation at Nanking of the consular premises. It is assumed that the nature, purport, and significance of the exchanges of courtesies between governments often regarded as appropriate in connection with such occasions have been brought fully to the attention of the Nationalist authorities in the conversations which have continued since last March. Since this feature of the contemplated program has been deliberately rejected by the Nationalist authorities, it is my desire that in the reopening of the consulate there should be no ceremonies whatsoever. There should be an expediting of the work on the consular premises; and, when this work has advanced sufficiently to enable a dignified occupation of the building, Spiker and Paxton should proceed to Nanking and, without any ceremony but in a routine manner, take up their residence and official functions. It is desirable, in my opinion, that they should not be accompanied by any additional officers, either civilian or naval. It is suggested that, provided the commander in chief approves, naval personnel of rank and number equal to the party expelled on March 24, 1927, with the consular personnel, might accompany Spiker and Paxton, with the idea that this would constitute a return to the status quo ante and that such guard might raise the flag and be withdrawn later. November 9 is approved as the tentative date for the proposed return. The press is being informed by me that when the premises are ready the consulate will be opened without ceremony. The Nationalist Government may be so informed by you. Further developments in this matter should be reported to me by telegraph.