493.11/1357: Telegram

The Chargé in China ( Perkins ) to the Secretary of State

694. Legation’s 202 [602], August 5, 9 a.m.

1.
Bennett, American treasurer of the China Foundation, has transmitted to the Legation a copy of the following letter, dated August 11th, addressed to him by Tsai Yuan-pei, chairman of the National Educational Council:

“I beg to advise having received an official letter number 3212 from the Secretary, Department of the Nationalist Government, stating:

‘We have received the following instructions from the Nationalist Government: “The request of the National Educational Council to revise the regulations governing the Board of Directors of the China Foundation for the Promotion [of] Education and Culture, is hereby acquiesced to: the original Board of Directors of the said Foundation is to be canceled.”

We have also received the following instructions: (here follows list of appointees; see legation’s telegram above mentioned).

While we shall despatch the relative certificates of appointment and make the instructions public, we quote the instructions for your reference. Enclosure: 14 certificates of appointment.[’]

I accordingly advise you of the subject matter and enclose herewith one certificate of appointment. Kindly acknowledge receipt.”

2.
Bennett comments as follows:

“I do not propose to answer this communication until she has [it has been?] indicated whether this illegal certificate is acceptable. So far as I am aware the Chinese members adversely affected by this action have not resigned from the Board of Trustees, and considering [Page 547] the constitution and bylaws of the Board of Trustees, I question the legality of these new appointments. It is also open to question if this government-appointed board can either legally give a receipt for funds received or legally disburse existing funds.”

3.
Roger S. Greene, American member, has received a similar letter. In reply to my oral inquiry, he stated that, after waiting some time, he had given notice of his acceptance of the appointment.
4.
Since the monthly remittance for the China Foundation has just been received, I request the Department’s instruction with regard to the issues raised in the Legation’s August 5, 9 a.m.
Perkins
  1. Telegram in two sections.