125.643/66: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13—1:35 p.m.]
827.
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3. Department’s 372, November 8, 1 p.m. I am not referring to the commander in chief the Department’s suggestion with regard to the return of naval personnel to the Nanking consulate since I feel that this action would be provocative and dangerous in itself [Page 366] and would at the same time merely emphasize the refusal of the Chinese to accord us the honors which are due. With the Department’s approval therefore I propose to instruct Spiker to take oath as consul at Nanking on the occasion of his next visit to Nanking in connection with the work of the Claims Commission. While there, he could, accompanied by Paxton, informally reopen the office and make the usual routine calls upon the appropriate officials without drawing undue attention to the return of an officer in charge.
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