693.003/832: Telegram
The Minister in China ( MacMurray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 13—9:32 a.m.]
532. In my 529, July 12, 6 p.m., are set forth my views on the same general subject as the Department’s 218, July 11, which I received later in the evening. It is with keen regret that I find myself not in accord with a suggestion which you make with the purpose of coping with the situation brought about by the lack of responsiveness of the Nationalist authorities towards the attitude of helpfulness which we have evidenced with respect to revision of treaty provisions relating to the tariff. I feel a particular obligation, however, since there is imposed upon me the responsibility of accomplishing the desired result in this matter, to advise you that I believe the contemplated public announcement would have a strong tendency to defeat the purpose for which it would be made. Whereas it is your belief that such a statement might prompt the Nationalist authorities to come forward, I urge, very respectfully but with conviction, that my evaluation of the situation in China is to the contrary. Judging from that which has appeared thus far to indicate the direction of Nationalist policy, I am apprehensive that it is likely, in any event, to prove at least difficult to perform the task you set. The making of such a statement as that proposed, in my judgment, certainly would not only increase the difficulties but would diminish very greatly the prospects of achieving a satisfactory result.