493.11 N 15/261: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
846. Following from Shanghai:
“November 24, 10 a.m. Following from Lyman and Spiker:
‘At meeting yesterday American and Chinese Commissioners agreed on following notification:
“In the identic instructions issued to the members of the Sino-American Joint Commission,49 paragraph (4) reads as follows (see Legation’s instructions to American Commissioners).
- 1.
- While the Commission has already dealt with the last of the claims, it will be unable to complete its work by the end of the three months’ period—that is, November 27th, 1928—in view of the fact that information requested by the Commission from a number of claimants abroad has not yet been received.
- 2.
- It is therefore agreed by the Commission that their respective Governments be requested to sanction an extension of the stated period for such time as is necessary for the Commission to wind up its work.
- 3.
- It is understood that no new claims will be accepted by the Commission during the period of extension—that is, after November 27th, 1928. Signed C. J. Spiker, C. Kuangson Young, Wu Chin, V. G. Lyman.”’”
I have replied as follows:
“November 27, 8 p.m. Your 343, November 24, 10 a.m.
1. Please communicate the following to Wang from me as of today’s date:
‘Excellency:
In view of the fact that the Sino-American Commission has found that its work cannot be completed within the period of three months from the constitution of the Commission, as contemplated, since it is waiting for the receipt of additional information regarding certain claims from abroad, I have the honor to propose that the period specified in our instructions to our respective Commissioners should be extended by mutual consent, as was contemplated therein, for such time as is necessary for the Commission to wind up its work.
Accept Excellency the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.’”
As soon as a reply is received the Department will be promptly informed.