611.9331/67: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
[Paraphrase]
Washington, July 23,
1928—6 p.m.
235. Legation’s 556, July 21, 6 p.m., 559, July 22, 9 p.m., and previous.
- 1.
- The text submitted by you is approved by the Department with any changes in phraseology that, in view of the phraseology suggested in the Department’s telegram referred to, you may feel it advisable to make.
- 2.
- As to the inclusion or omission of the proposed optional clause, it is the Department’s view that this should be decided entirely in accordance with the wishes of the Chinese.
- 3.
- As to the matter of likin, it is the opinion of the Department that there is nothing practicable to be gained by fixing as a condition something which, at best, could be fulfilled in part only and which, if not fulfilled, will in all likelihood be ignored. It is recommended by the Department that you suggest to Soong an exchange of notes, in the form of an annex to the agreement, containing an unequivocal and forceful declaration of China’s intention to abolish likin.
- 4.
- It is desired that the procedure outlined in the Department’s 230, July 20, 1 p.m., be followed. Would it not be possible for Soong to postpone his departure for Nanking and sign the treaty at the same time as, or subsequent to, the release of my statement to the press?
- 5.
- Considering the fourth paragraph of the Legation’s 559, I am omitting and you will omit the final sentence of my statement, that is, the sentence relating to future discussions.
- 6.
- My statement may be telegraphed by you to Wang en clair.
- 7.
- The statement will be given by me to the representatives here of the 12 interested powers, including the Minister of China, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, in confidence, and to the press at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Washington time. At your discretion, you may inform your colleagues of the interested powers.
- 8.
- The date of my statement will be Washington, Tuesday, July 24, 1928.
Kellogg