List of Papers
[Unless otherwise specified, the correspondence is from or to officials in the Department of State.]
CANADA
Arrangement Between the United States and Canada Granting Relief From Double Income Tax on Shipping Profits
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 May 8 (86) | From the Canadian Minister Enactment of legislation by the Canadian Parliament providing for the equivalent exemption from taxation as referred to in section 213 (b) (8) of the U. S. Revenue Acts of 1921, 1924, and 1926; suggestion that an understanding might now be entered into by United States and Canada granting relief from double income tax on shipping profits. |
1 |
| June 29 | To the Canadian Minister Request for certain information in connection with the Canadian legislation regarding income tax on shipping profits. |
1 |
| July 24 (111) | From the Canadian Chargé Suggestion that a conference be held in Washington about July 30 between officials of the Canadian Department of National Revenue and U. S. Treasury Department for discussion of the proposed tax exemption. |
3 |
| July 24 | To the Canadian Chargé Acceptance of the suggestion for a discussion between U. S. and Canadian officials on July 30. |
4 |
| Aug. 2 (117) | From the Canadian Chargé Readiness of the Canadian Government to conclude an arrangement with United States, and submittal of a draft which has been approved by the Canadian Minister of National Revenue (text printed). |
4 |
| Sept. 17 | To the Canadian Chargé U. S. acceptance of the reciprocal undertaking as suggested in Canadian note No. 117 of August 2. |
6 |
| Sept. 29 (143) | From the Canadian Chargé Confirmation of the agreement between United States and Canada regarding exemption from double income tax on shipping profits. |
6 |
Proposed Convention To Replace the Halibut Fishery Convention of March 2, 1923, Between the United States and Great Britain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 May 31 | From the American Member of the International
Fisheries Commission Formal report of the International Fisheries Commission (text printed), covering its investigation of the halibut fishery of the North Pacific, and including certain recommendations. |
7 |
| Aug. 2 | To the Canadian Chargé Suggestion that a new treaty to replace the existing halibut fishery treaty of March 2, 1923, be negotiated for the purpose of giving effect to the recommendations of the International Fisheries Commission. |
28 |
| Aug. 24 (126) | From the Canadian Chargé Canadian view that a new treaty might not be necessary if certain officials of both Governments were given power to make regulations recommended by the Commission; Canadian willingness to replace the existing treaty, however, if United States desires. |
29 |
| Aug. 29 | To the Canadian Chargé Information that the matter has been referred to the U. S. authorities concerned with administration of fisheries. |
30 |
Proposed Convention Between the United States and Canada for the Protection of the Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Fisheries
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Aug. 19 (509) | From the British Ambassador Inquiry as to U. S. willingness to consider the possibility of cooperating with the Canadian Government for the protection and rehabilitation of the Fraser River sockeye salmon fisheries. |
30 |
| Sept. 18 | To the British Ambassador Information that the Ambassador’s note No. 509 of August 19 has been referred to the U. S. authorities concerned with administration of fisheries. |
31 |
| 1928 Oct. 26 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Canadian Minister in which it was agreed that some action was very necessary in regard to the proposed sockeye salmon treaty. |
32 |
| Dec. 4 (762) | From the Minister in Canada Draft of proposed convention for the protection of the Fraser River system of sockeye salmon fisheries (text printed); inquiry as to whether draft is acceptable to United States. |
32 |
Disinclination of Canada To Join the United States in Establishing a Commission To Investigate the Fisheries Problem in Missisquoi Bay
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 May 9 (225) | To the Minister in Canada Instructions to communicate to the Canadian Government a proposal for the establishment of a joint scientific, fact-finding commission to investigate seine fishing in the Canadian waters connected with Lake Champlain, particularly Missisquoi Bay. |
37 |
| June 19 (482) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian reply, June 16 (text printed), indicating Canada’s disinclination to join at the present time in establishment of a commission to deal with the Missisquoi Bay problem alone, but willingness to cooperate in necessary steps to advance the settlement of all questions relating to fishery preservation in boundary waters. |
41 |
| July 6 (508) | From the Minister in Canada Report of conversation with Canadian Deputy Minister of Marine and Fisheries; indication that Canada’s disinclination to accept the U. S. proposal in regard to the Missisquoi Bay problem was an attempt to bring pressure upon United States in the protection of the sockeye salmon industry. |
43 |
Proposal by the United States To Construct Compensating Works To Offset Effect of Diversion of Waters From the Great Lakes
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 23 (E. D. 7432 (Great Lakes)) | From the Secretary of War Recommendation that the State Department take up with the Canadian Government the matter of the construction by the War Department of the compensating works in the Niagara and St. Clair Rivers which were recommended in the report of the Joint Board of Engineers on the St. Lawrence waterway, dated November 16, 1926. |
44 |
| 1928 Feb. 1 (140) | To the Minister in Canada Instructions to take up with Canadian Government the matter referred to in the letter of December 23, 1927, from the Secretary of War. |
46 |
| Mar. 23 (187) | To the Minister in Canada Understanding of the Department, confirmed by the War Department, that it is the War Department’s intention to recommend to Congress the appropriation of funds sufficient to cover entire cost of the work without participation by Canada. |
47 |
| July 13 (520) | From the Minister in Canada Legation’s representations to Canadian Government, March 5 and March 30 (texts printed), and Canada’s reply, July 11 (text printed), stating that the proposals do not provide compensation as regards navigation in the St. Lawrence system below the Niagara River, nor compensation for the loss of power at any point. |
48 |
| Sept. 14 (7432 (Great Lakes) 70) | From the Secretary of War Comments on the statements of the Canadian Government as set forth in its note of July 11; suggestion that special considerations noted by the Secretary of War be brought to Canada’s attention with request for further expression of views. |
51 |
| Nov. 30 (414) | To the Minister in Canada Instructions to make further representations to the Canadian Government; information that no definite appropriation for the proposed works has yet been made by Congress but that the authorization of such an appropriation has been recommended by the Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army. |
53 |
Reference of the Problem of the Improvement of the Roseau River Drainage System for Study and Report to the International Joint Commission
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 25 | To the Canadian Minister Inquiry as to acceptability of U. S. proposal for reference of the problem of improvement of the Roseau River drainage system to the International Joint Commission for examination and report. |
55 |
| Apr. 2 (61) | From the Canadian Minister Canadian willingness to submit the problem to the International Joint Commission; designation of an engineer to confer with U. S. representative for the purpose of formulating terms of reference; assumption that there will be no objection to proceeding with preliminary works under construction. |
56 |
| Apr. 26 | To the Canadian Minister Designation of U. S. engineer; suggested arrangements for meeting with Canadian representative; hope that any construction which would affect the entire drainage problem will be suspended. |
57 |
| June 16 (101) | From the Canadian Minister Proposal that the U. S. engineer examine the construction under way; and if he considers it prejudicial to the general situation, the Canadian Government will endeavor to arrange a satisfactory solution. |
58 |
| Aug. 4 | To the Canadian Chargé Inquiry as to acceptability of the terms of reference formulated by U. S. and Canadian engineers at Winnipeg, July 10 (text printed); desire for suspension of Canadian construction work until the entire Roseau problem has been investigated by the International Joint Commission. |
59 |
| Dec. 10 (186) | From the Canadian Minister Information that the terms of reference are satisfactory, that arrangements have been made for temporary suspension of construction work, and that the Canadian Government is prepared formally to transmit the Roseau reference to the International Joint Commission. |
61 |
| Dec. 14 | To the Canadian Minister U. S. submission of the terms of reference to the International Joint Commission; expression of appreciation for Canadian cooperation. |
63 |
Renewed Consideration of a Joint International Project for Improvement of the St. Lawrence Waterway
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 31 (30) | From the Canadian Minister Summary of the findings and recommendations of the National Advisory Committee concerning feasibility of joint project for improvement of the St. Lawrence Waterway; request for U. S. views. |
64 |
| Mar. 12 | To the Canadian Minister Comments on Canadian suggestions of January 31; proposal for appointment of commissioners to discuss the problems presented by the two Governments and to formulate an appropriate convention. |
71 |
| Apr. 5 (64) | From the Canadian Minister Information that, following necessary consultation with the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, the Canadian Government will be in a position to state its views on U. S. proposals contained in note of March 12. |
75 |
| Apr. 7 | To the Canadian Minister Suggestion that treaty negotiations be carried on concurrently with the necessary study and reconsideration by the Joint Board of Engineers of engineering problems connected with construction of the international section of the waterway. |
77 |
Reference to International Joint Commission of Certain Questions Relating to Damages to Property in the State of Washington by Fumes From the Smelter at Trail, B. C.
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 20 (111) | To the Minister in Canada Instructions to inquire whether the Canadian Government would agree to joint reference to the International Joint Commission of the problem of damages caused to property in the state of Washington by fumes from the smelter at Trail, B.C., the terms of reference to authorize (1) investigation of extent to which property has been damaged, (2) determination of damages caused to property owners, and (3) recommendations for measures to protect property owners from damage in the future. |
78 |
| 1928 Feb. 18 (160) | To the Minister in Canada Desire that Canadian reply be expedited. |
80 |
| Feb. 27 (259) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian reply of February 24 (text printed) inquiring whether, in view of accompanying reports of scientific investigations establishing only a few instances of damage and the fact that the Canadian company is prohibited from purchasing lands or easements in the American areas affected, the U. S. Government still wishes to refer the matter to the International Joint Commission. |
80 |
| Mar. 12 (177) | To the Minister in Canada Instructions to advise the Canadian Government that, on account of conflicting information as to extent of damages and belief that an impartial investigation is essential, the U. S. Government hopes that the Canadian Government will agree to refer the problem to the International Joint Commission. |
82 |
| Apr. 26 (375) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian note of April 25 (text printed) stating readiness to join in a reference to the International Joint Commission to determine extent of injury and to report in what way adequate compensation may be provided. |
83 |
| May 4 (49) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Information that the Canadian reply does not cover proposed authorization in terms of reference for recommendations as to measures to protect property owners from damage by fumes in the future; instructions to take up question immediately. |
85 |
| June 28 (139) | From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Canadian reluctance to authorize submission of recommendations for measures to protect property owners from damages by fumes in the future. |
86 |
| June 29 (88) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Instructions to advise the Canadian Government that the probable enlargement of the smelter at Trail emphasizes urgency of bringing the problem before the International Joint Commission. |
86 |
| June 30 (143) | From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Information that a strong note has been presented and that every effort is being made to arrange precise terms of reference. |
87 |
| July 2 (90) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Statement of U. S. position regarding Canadian apparent unwillingness to arrange for a proper reference of the problem to the International Joint Commission. Instructions to address a note in this sense to the Canadian Government and to urge immediate action. |
87 |
| July 11 (151) | From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Receipt of Canadian note advising that proposed enlargement of smelter is actually construction of an experimental plant to dispose of the deleterious gases and that in the circumstances the Canadian Government believes situation would be fully met by a reference in general terms. |
89 |
| July 12 (153) | From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Understanding of the Canadian Government that the Canadian section of the International Joint Commission is prepared to meet the American section to arrange details for investigation at Trail and to appoint the necessary experts. Request to be advised whether this arrangement meets with Department’s approval. |
89 |
| July 12 (516) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian note of July 11 (text printed). |
90 |
| July 14 (99) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Inability of Department to arrange meeting; information that matter should be referred by the two Governments to the Commission. Inquiry whether the Canadian Government is willing to join in reference in general terms sufficiently broad to include point designated in telegram No. 49, May 4. |
93 |
| July 16 (154) | From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Agreement by Department of External Affairs that the two Governments should refer matter to the Commission. Information that the Canadian attitude remains the same regarding point designated in telegram No. 49, May 4. |
93 |
| July 19 (101) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Information that the Department stated it would expect suppression of smelter as alternative to proper reference of whole problem to Commission. Instructions to ascertain whether reference to Commission in revised form would be satisfactory to Canadian Government. (Footnote: Substance communicated to the Department of External Affairs in note of July 20.) |
94 |
| July 27 (548) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian note, July 26 (text printed) stating willingness to agree to a reference in terms proposed in the U. S. Minister’s note of July 20, subject to a verbal alteration. |
95 |
| Aug. 1 (103) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Acceptance of Canadian amendment. Instructions to obtain and telegraph confirmation of understanding that the Canadian Government is ready to have matter submitted to Commission in form as proposed and amended. |
96 |
| Aug. 2 (167) | From the Minister in Canada (tel.) Prospects of immediate reference in the form proposed. |
97 |
| Aug. 4 (171) | From the Chargé in Canada (tel.) Canadian note of August 3 (excerpt printed) advising understanding that question may be submitted to Commission in the form as proposed and amended. |
97 |
| Aug. 7 (108) | To the Chargé in Canada (tel.) Submission of Trail Smelter matter to International Joint Commission. Instructions to express appreciation for Canadian Government’s cooperation. |
97 |
Representations by Canada Against the Firing of Bullets into Canadian Territory by Preventive Officers of the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 27 (78) | From the Canadian Minister Representations against the firing of bullets into Canadian territory by U. S. preventive officers. |
98 |
| May 1 | To the Canadian Minister Information that an investigation has been ordered of the incidents reported in note of April 27; request for additional facts. |
98 |
| Aug. 30 | To the Canadian Chargé Expression of regret for incident in which bullet from preventive officer’s revolver passed through window of a house situated across Detroit River; information that it has been found impossible to establish the origin of the other bullets. |
99 |
| Oct. 1 (145) | From the Canadian Minister Appreciation for U. S. investigation; acknowledgment of expression of regret. |
100 |
Proposed Exchange of Commercial Aviation Attachés Between the United States and Canada
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 6 (271) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian suggestion for the exchange of commercial aviation attachés. |
101 |
| Apr. 12 (201) | To the Minister in Canada Doubt that commercial aviation has reached a stage of development in either United States or Canada to warrant the proposed exchange of attaché’s. |
102 |
Embargo on the Importation of Peaches Into Canada From the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 June 11 | To the Consul General at
Ottawa Instructions to endeavor to secure early removal of Canadian embargo against importation of peaches and peach nursery stock from certain States of the United States. |
103 |
| July 18 (22) | From the Consul General at
Ottawa Information that the Minister of Agriculture agreed to consider the possibility of raising embargo for all provinces except Ontario and British Columbia. |
104 |
| Aug. 8 | To the Consul General at Ottawa (tel.) Instructions to wire the status of decision respecting embargo. |
105 |
| Aug. 13 | From the Consul General at Ottawa (tel.) Issuance of Order in Council, August 11, removing embargo for all provinces except Ontario and British Columbia. |
105 |
| 1928 Mar. 20 (183) | To the Minister in Canada Instructions to ascertain whether the Canadian authorities would be disposed to remove the Ontario embargo. |
106 |
| Mar. 23 (301) | From the Minister in Canada Report that request for lifting the Ontario embargo has been presented. |
107 |
| Apr. 23 (365) | From the Minister in Canada Doubt that there is any prospect of Minister of Agriculture’s acceding to request to lift the Ontario embargo. |
108 |
Embargo on the Importation of Milk and Cream Into the United States From the Montreal Area
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Mar. 25 | From the Consul General at Montreal (tel.) Inquiry whether, in view of continuance of typhoid epidemic, entry into the United States of milk and cream produced in Western Quebec should be prohibited. |
108 |
| Mar. 26 | To the Consul General at Montreal (tel.) Instructions to notify shippers that entry of cream and milk from Montreal area will be prohibited until source of typhoid epidemic has been determined and adequate measures taken to insure against danger from those products. (Instructions to repeat to consular offices. Information that similar instructions have been sent to Ottawa.) |
109 |
| Mar. 31 (3003) | From the Consul General at Montreal Consul general’s statement to the press, March 30, declaring that embargo was imposed solely for the purpose of protecting health of the American people (text printed). |
109 |
| Apr. 8 (78) | From the Canadian Minister Request for modification of embargo as concerns milk and cream from certain uninfected districts within the Montreal area. |
110 |
| May 4 | To the Canadian Minister Information that, effective April 27, the embargo will be lifted on milk and cream produced in Province of Ontario, and that when typhoid conditions in counties of Vaudreuil and Soulanges in Province of Quebec are considered safe, steps will be taken to remove the embargo. |
111 |
| 1928 Sept. 1 | From the Acting Secretary of
Agriculture Removal of embargo, effective September 4, on importation of milk and cream from Montreal and vicinity; request that American consul and Canadian Legation be formally notified. |
112 |
| Sept. 4 | To the Consul General at Montreal (tel.) Notification of removal of embargo. |
114 |
CHILE
Representations to the Chilean Government Regarding Proposed Legislation Favoring Chilean Mercantile Marine
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 24 (20) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Information that, as result of the Ambassador’s representations, the Minister of Hacienda has requested suppression of article in proposed tariff law providing for customs rebates on certain articles imported in Chilean vessels. |
115 |
| Jan. 24 (8) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Inquiry as to accuracy of report that tariff schedule provides customs rebate on machinery and metal construction material imported in Chilean vessels; instructions to advise action taken by Embassy in accordance with previous instructions. |
115 |
| Jan. 26 (22) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Report that after repeated representations, the Embassy has secured withdrawal of objectionable provisions and that tariff bill as corrected has been enacted. |
115 |
| May 5 (1369) | From the Ambassador in Chile Transmittal of Chilean regulations relating to law subsidizing shipping through the Panama Canal; suggestion that the U. S. Government might prefer a regulation which did not so clearly justify inference that subvention is a repayment of Canal tolls. |
116 |
| July 5 | From the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce Opinion that it would be preferable if regulations did not take form of providing or of apparently providing for repayment of Panama Canal tolls. |
117 |
| Dec. 5 (907) | To the Ambassador in Chile Transmittal of letter from the Secretary of Commerce, July 7, and data showing that reimbursement of canal dues is a fairly common practice among nations. |
118 |
CHINA
Continued Civil War in China; Overthrow of the Peking Government; and Reorganization of the Nationalist Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 20 (1403) | From the Chargé in China Summary of events and conditions in China during January: Diminution of the Kuomintang and increasing importance of Kwangsi militarists. |
119 |
| Mar. 1 (1410) | From the Chargé in China Report on certain political and military movements and tendencies: Growing influence of Feng Yu-hsiang in Nanking regime; developments in South away from Nanking; regrouping of component parts of old Ankuochün in the North. |
123 |
| Mar. 21 (1443) | From the Chargé in China Summary of events and conditions during February: Military operations; Communists; Kuomintang conference; political events at Peking, Nanking, etc.; developments in Szechwan. |
125 |
| Apr. 13 (229) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai: Chiang Kai-shek’s mandate published April 8 and 9 and statement relative to protection of foreign lives and property (texts printed). |
130 |
| Apr. 17 (1468) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during March: Military operations; political events; boycott declared at Amoy against Japanese shipping. |
132 |
| Apr. 20 (50) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Foreign Office statement (text printed) announcing intention to dispatch troops to the Shantung districts for the protection of Japanese residents and stating that the troops will be withdrawn as soon as the protection is no longer necessary. (Footnote: Information that the statement is identical with an unsigned memorandum handed to the Secretary of State by the Japanese Ambassador.) |
136 |
| May 5 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) From Tsinan, May 4: Report on clash between Japanese and Nationalist troops; consulate’s efforts to stop fighting; receipt by the United States, British, and French consulates of a request from Chinese organizations for good offices to terminate fighting; information that U. S. lives and property are safe. |
137 |
| May 7 (148) | To the Minister in China (tel.) For Price, Tsinan: Department’s commendation of action taken during Sino-Japanese clash, and relief in learning of safety of Americans. Instructions to inform Department of developments as promptly as possible. |
138 |
| Undated [Rec’d May 9] | From the Japanese Embassy Explanation of Japan’s decision to dispatch additional troops to Shantung to ensure protection of Japanese residents and communication over the Shantung Railway; decision also to send troops to Tientsin and additional cruisers and destroyers to the Yangtze and to South China, in case of eventualities, with promise of their withdrawal as occasion permits. |
138 |
| May 9 (153) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform consul at Tsinan that, if and when good offices are asked by both sides, he is authorized to mediate to terminate fighting. (Instructions to repeat to Tokyo.) |
139 |
| May 10 (330) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Chang Tso-lin’s circular telegram to the Chinese people (text printed) appealing for peace and indicating that the main object of the Peking regime in engaging in hostilities was the extermination of bolshevism. |
140 |
| May 10 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister during which the Minister proposed that the United States call a conference of powers to take place in the fall for the purpose of negotiating with the Chinese on the several questions at issue. |
141 |
| May 15 (1503) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during April: Military operations; dispatch of Japanese troops to Shantung; political events. |
143 |
| May 18 (368) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, May 14: Report that Chiang Kai-shek personally assured American and British consuls he was prepared to negotiate with the Japanese commander in chief at any neutral consulate; fighting resumed after Chiang’s departure from city; refusal of Chinese troops to accede to Japanese demand to surrender arms as only terms for peace. |
146 |
| May 22 (1511) | From the Minister in China Confidential letter from Peking Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting mediation in endeavor to persuade Southern authorities to respond to Chang Tso-lin’s appeal for peace; Minister’s reply (text printed) stating that he could not espouse the proposals offered by one of the parties involved without the appearance of partisanship. Information that British, Netherlands, and Japanese colleagues were also approached. |
146 |
| June 15 (1545) | From the Minister in China Report on events and conditions during May: Military operations; Sino-Japanese clash at Tsinan; Japanese statement of May 18; protection of U. S. lives and property; developments at Hankow and Canton. |
148 |
| July 13 (914) | To the Minister in China Department’s approval of reply to the Foreign Office request for mediation. |
153 |
| July 16 (1572) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions in China during June: Military operations; transfer of capital of the country to Nanking and renaming of Peking; developments in Peking. |
153 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 21] | From the Japanese Embassy Statement that the whole responsibility for the Tsinan incident of May 3 rests with the Chinese; basis upon which Japan will proceed toward solution of the incident; assurance that troops will be withdrawn as soon as their presence is no longer necessary. |
158 |
| Aug. 6 (1602) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during July: Military operations; political events; disbandment of troops; conditions in Manchuria and in Shantung. |
159 |
| Sept. 14 (1673) | From the Chargé in China Summary of events and conditions during August: Political events; Kuomintang conference; Mongol uprising. |
163 |
| Oct. 9 (1708) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during September: Political events; conditions in China under Nationalist Government. |
167 |
| Nov. 12 (1750) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during October: Promulgation of the organic law of the Nationalist Government and inauguration of new government; Sino-Japanese relations; conditions in Chefoo. |
170 |
| Dec. 12 (1804) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during November: Sino-foreign relations; Sino-Japanese treaty relations. |
174 |
| 1929 Jan. 11 (1867) | From the Minister in China Summary of events and conditions during December: Sino-foreign relations; conditions in Manchuria. |
176 |
Recognition by the United States of the Nationalist Government in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 13 (266) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Proposed reply (text printed) to request of attorney for the Nationalist authorities for a certificate stating when the United States Government ceased to recognize either the so-called Peking Government or the Nationalist Government at Nanking. |
179 |
| Apr. 14 (120) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of first two sentences of the Minister’s proposed reply to request of attorney for the Nationalist authorities, and instructions to substitute Department’s text for the last two sentences. |
179 |
| May 24 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador during which the Assistant Secretary stated that the United States had not recognized the Nationalist Government and would not recognize C. C. Wu as having any official status; that no relation existed between Mr. MacMurray’s notes to Northern and Southern factions and Japan’s action; and that alleged reports in the Japanese press regarding statements made by the Secretary of State concerning Japan’s policy in China, were based upon misinformation. |
180 |
| June 15 (188) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Alfred Sze, the Chinese Minister, had that afternoon called without appointment and stated that he was replying in the affirmative to a cable from the Nationalist Government inquiring his willingness to continue as China’s representative in Washington. |
181 |
| June 15 (189) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for views regarding: (1) probability of establishment of a responsible government by Nationalists, (2) necessary steps toward recognition, at least on a de facto basis, (3) whether U. S. Government is prepared to indicate willingness to proceed with negotiations as soon as Nationalists Government is able to appoint authorized representatives. Probable consultation with other governments concerning recognition. |
181 |
| June 16 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Chargé during which the Assistant Secretary stated that the United States had reached no decision regarding recognition of the Nationalist Government, that recognition was unnecessary for negotiation of certain phases of treaty situation, and that the United States had made no decision in regard to moving of Legation from Peking; and explained the status of Alfred Sze. |
182 |
| June 18 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the British Chargé during which the Secretary explained the status of Alfred Sze and discussed the possibility of de facto recognition of Nationalist Government upon assurance of its stability. |
183 |
| June 20 (487) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Views regarding recognition of the Nationalist Government: (1) Establishment by the Nationalists of a responsible government is problematical; (2) de facto status already exists between the United States and Nationalist Government; (3) it would be possible and advisable to reach an agreement with dominant party regarding customs duties. Recommendation that authorization be given him to enter into discussions with Nanking regime with a view to relinquishment by the United States of treaty restrictions affecting Chinese customs tariffs, and to reply as previously to any pressure by Nanking regime for further revision of treaties. Belief that further plans based on supposition that unity and peace in China are actualities is premature. |
184 |
| June 23 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between representatives of the Nationalist Government of China and officials of the State Department regarding method of organization of the Nationalist Government, and queries by C. C. Wu as to when the U. S. Government would be prepared to begin treaty revision negotiations and when it intended transferring its Legation from Peking to Nanking. |
185 |
| June 27 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the French Ambassador during which the Secretary stated that recognition of the Nationalist Government by the United States depended upon stabilization of conditions in China, but that the United States was in a position to commence tariff negotiations at an appropriate time, which would amount to a de facto recognition. |
188 |
| June 27 (499) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry from attorney for the Nationalist authorities (text printed) whether the U. S. Government is prepared to recognize the Nationalist Government as having capacity to sue in the United States Court for China as a de facto government for the purpose of filing a suit in said court. Minister’s reply (text printed) that United States is in de facto relationship with the Nationalist regime, but with reference to specific inquiry the question is one for judicial determination. |
189 |
| June 28 (208) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of proposed reply to inquiry of attorney for the Nationalist authorities. |
190 |
| July 6 (516) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for information concerning conversations at Washington initiated by French and other interested Governments concerning recognition of Nanking regime. |
190 |
| July 9 (215) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Substance of conversations with the British, French, and Japanese representatives. |
190 |
| Aug. 2 (592) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for instructions whether Nationalist regime should be dealt with as a fully recognized government. |
192 |
| Aug. 10 (265) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that signing of the treaty of July 25 with the Nationalist regime constitutes technically a recognition of that government. Instructions, however, to avoid answering inquiries regarding recognition, as the Secretary is considering the manner in which public affirmation of recognition shall be made. |
192 |
| Aug. 10 | To President Coolidge Request for authority to publicly acknowledge, either in China or the United States, that the signing of the treaty of July 25 by the United States is a recognition of the Nationalist Government. |
193 |
| Aug. 11 | From President Coolidge (tel.) Authority to acknowledge that signing of the treaty is a recognition of the Nationalist Government. |
193 |
| Aug. 13 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation in which the French Chargé conveyed his Foreign Minister’s suggestion that the question of de jure recognition of the Nationalist Government be considered at the Washington Conference and request that he be notified before the United States took separate action; Secretary’s reply that the United States considered it had already recognized the Chinese Government, but that no formal notice has been given that this was considered a de jure recognition, and that the Chargé would be notified before any such action was taken. |
194 |
| Aug. 14 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Chinese Minister and the Secretary of State with reference to treaty revision, the Minister’s status, and recognition of the Nationalist Government. Conversation between the Chinese Minister and the Assistant Secretary during which it was suggested that the Nationalist Government make known whether they desire some formal act of recognition. |
195 |
| Sept. 1 and 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Interview with C. C. Wu concerning China’s adherence to the multilateral treaty; the Nationalist Government’s view that there was no need for a formal act of recognition; Wu’s authorization to discuss treaties; Sze’s status. |
196 |
| Sept. 4 (684) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for instructions in regard to continuing to avoid answering inquiries concerning United States recognition of the Nationalist Government. |
198 |
| Sept. 11 (310) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions that, in reply to inquiries, attention should be invited to the fact that the Governments of the United States and China, through their duly accredited representatives, signed a formal treaty on July 25; and that the Legation has been authorized to conduct its relations with the Nationalist Government of China on a basis of full recognition. |
198 |
Chinese Proposal for Raising the Legations in China and Chinese Legations to the Status of Embassies
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Oct. 12 | From the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern
Affairs Observations and suggestions concerning the proposal which the Chinese Government is making that the Chinese Legation in Washington and in several other capitals be raised to an Embassy. |
199 |
| Oct. 12 (346) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information of Chinese proposal to raise Legations to Embassies; and request for views on the subject. |
200 |
| Oct. 15 (771) | From the Minister in China (tel.) View that, considering the situation in China and the possibility of a transitory regime, the question is whether the United States desires to make such a gesture to demonstrate its sympathy and confidence regarding ideals toward which the Chinese are striving. |
200 |
| Oct. 24 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the British Ambassador in which the Secretary discussed informally the subject of raising the Legations in China to Embassies, stating that the Department had not yet come to any conclusion and would be glad to have the British Government’s views. |
201 |
| Oct. 25 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the Japanese Ambassador in which the Secretary discussed the raising of the Legations in China to Embassies and expressed his desire to know the Japanese Government’s attitude. |
202 |
| Oct. 25 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the French Ambassador and the Secretary of State in which the Secretary covered the same ground he had been over with the Japanese Ambassador that morning. |
204 |
| Oct. 25 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the German Ambassador and the Secretary of State in which the Secretary covered the same ground as with the Japanese Ambassador. |
205 |
| Oct. 27 (362) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Chinese proposal is being discussed with diplomatic representatives of powers to which the same proposals were addressed by the Chinese. |
205 |
| Oct. 30 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister concerning the Secretary of State’s action in discussing with other Governments the question of raising Chinese Legations to Embassies. |
205 |
| Nov. 2 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador concerning his Government’s reply to the effect that it was in a peculiar position in that it had not been approached by China on the subject; that his Government desired to follow the policy outlined by the United States, but would reconsider the matter should the United States decide to raise their Legation to an Embassy. |
207 |
| Nov. 2 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the Japanese Ambassador who conveyed his Government’s reply that it agreed in principle with idea of raising the Legations but that there were outstanding questions which prevented consideration at the present time. Later conversation of Japanese Ambassador with the Assistant Secretary regarding the subject of extraterritoriality, the status of C. C. Wu, Alfred Sze, and Frank Lee; China’s indebtedness; and the Nationalist Government’s protest against the loan made to the Oriental Development Co. |
207 |
| Nov. 13 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the counselor of the Japanese Embassy during which the counselor stated that he had seen in the press that United States had decided to raise the Legation at Peking to the rank of an Embassy; and the Assistant Secretary replied that the United States had not done so, but had the matter under sympathetic consideration. |
210 |
| Nov. 15 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the Chinese Minister during which the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary explained that reports of United States decision to raise its Legation at Peking to the status of an Embassy were erroneous; that the matter was still under sympathetic consideration by this Government. |
211 |
| Nov. 22 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the British Ambassador who conveyed his Government’s reply that it felt that the question of raising the Legations was not acute, that the question of tariff autonomy was of greater importance. |
212 |
| Dec. 10 (1061) | To the Minister in China Transmission of copy of memorandum of conversation of November 15 with the Chinese Minister. Information that the opinion of the representatives of the powers approached seemed to be that the present time is not opportune for taking this action; and that no decision had been reached by the United States regarding the proposal. |
213 |
Measures Taken by the United States and Other Powers for Protection of Lives and Property in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 6 (73) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Paxton, the vice consul at Nanking, temporarily at Chinkiang, has been informed that protection of life is to be afforded by diplomatic means everywhere, although with urgent advice to evacuate from exposed positions, and that protection of property is to be afforded by diplomatic means everywhere but by force only as incidental to the protection of life. |
213 |
| Feb. 9 (41) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions that any decision in regard to use of force must depend upon determination of U. S. military authorities and upon numerous other considerations; that protection of U. S. citizens should be afforded by diplomatic means whenever required or requested and whenever general interests require diplomatic representations. |
214 |
| Mar. 3 | To Miss Margaret Hiller National Board, Young
Women’s Christian Associations Statement of Department’s position with respect to possible waiver by U. S. citizens in other countries of their right to U. S. diplomatic intervention and other protection. |
214 |
| Mar. 13 | From the Consul General at Tientsin to the Chargé in
China Recommendations for the protection of Americans at Peitaiho Beach, in view of the anticipated resumption of hostilities. |
216 |
| Mar. 19 (174) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Concurrence in statement of consul general at Tientsin as to probabilities of the situation and his recommendation for protection of Americans at Peitaiho. |
218 |
| Mar. 19 (96) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that U. S. business interests are disturbed over possible advantageous situation of competitors due to reopening of British and Japanese consulates at Changsha and Chungking; and they feel that conditions can be ameliorated only when U. S. consulates at those places are reopened. |
218 |
| Apr. 13 (228) | From the Minister in China (tel.) View, concurred in by the consul general at Hankow and the consul at Chungking, that it is premature to reopen the Chungking and Changsha consulates. Information of conditions in those regions. |
218 |
| May 3 (144) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for information concerning U. S. consul and other Americans at Tsinan. |
219 |
| May 5 (311) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Reports that Tsinan is quiet and consul and other Americans unmolested. Minister’s unsuccessful efforts to secure information. |
220 |
| May 7 (318) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from Tsingtau that mail has been received from the consul at Tsinan and that it was believed no Americans were injured or U. S. property looted. |
220 |
| May 8 (325) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram, May 7, to the Foreign Minister at Nanking (text printed) expressing anxiety concerning safety of Americans at Tsinan and reliance upon him to see to it that these Americans and their property are fully protected. Reply, May 8 (text printed) stating that the U. S. consulate is being guarded and all Americans are safe, also to feel no anxiety. |
220 |
| May 12 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Tientsin View that it would not be appropriate to request U. S. forces at Tientsin to extend protection to the Pao Cheng Cotton Mill if, as it is understood, its protection would have no relation to the protection of lives. |
221 |
| May 15 (158) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to report whether plan, reported in press despatches from Shanghai, has been adopted for the establishment of a 20-li zone; also to report whether this is likely to bring on a conflict between Chinese armies and the forces at Tientsin, and whether it is necessary to keep Chinese forces out of the native city. |
221 |
| May 17 (359) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Shanghai, May 16: Instructions to deliver a letter to the Foreign Minister at Nanking (text printed) bringing to his attention the delicacy of the situation at Tientsin, in the hope that only trusted and loyal Chinese forces may be employed in the event of operations around Tientsin and that all commanders be fully informed as to the real nature and object of U. S. military forces in that area. Information that a somewhat similar letter is being sent to the Foreign Minister at Peking. |
222 |
| May 17 (360) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the 20-li zone was not adopted; that it was urged at the meeting of Tientsin commandants on May 11 by the Japanese general and that General Castner and General Butler declined to associate themselves with it. Opinion that it is not necessary to keep Chinese forces out of the native city. |
223 |
| May 17 (63) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Foreign Minister’s interview with U. S., British, French, and Italian representatives in which he stated that Japan is prepared fully to fulfill its obligations in any joint measures for the protection of foreign lives and property in Peking and Tientsin; and informed them of a memorandum (text printed) which was being delivered to Chang Tso-lin and to the Nationalist Government on May 18, intimating that Japan may possibly be constrained to take appropriate and effective steps for the maintenance of peace in Manchuria. (Repeated to China.) |
224 |
| May 18 (162) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions that there will be no U. S. participation in joint action with Japan or any other power to prevent extension of Chinese hostilities in Manchuria; that the greatest caution should be exercised in conferences with colleagues to prevent the United States from becoming involved in intervention in China. Approval of letters in telegram No. 359, May 17. |
226 |
| May 18 (163) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Agreement with position taken by Minister, General Butler, and General Castner. |
226 |
| May 22 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Japanese Ambassador and the Secretary of State concerning Japanese press reports that the Japanese memorandum to the Nationalist and Northern authorities had been looked upon with suspicion in the United States where it was interpreted as a desire on the part of Japan to declare Manchuria as being a protectorate of Japan; Ambassador’s denial of any such intent on the part of Japan. |
227 |
| May 22 (383) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Foreign Minister’s authorization of the publication of Minister’s letter of May 18 to him and his reply, May 19 (text printed). Information of arrangements regarding publication of reply from Foreign Minister at Nanking. (Footnote: Information that the notes were released to the press on May 23.) |
228 |
| May 22 (860) | From the Ambassador in Japan Foreign Minister’s interview with U. S., British, French, and Italian representatives for the purpose of explaining the steps Japan intended to take with respect to the situation now developing in China. |
229 |
| May 24 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the Japanese Ambassador in which the Secretary expressed his inability to understand why the Japanese press should be so disturbed over the U. S. position with regard to the Japanese memorandum handed to the Northern and Southern factions; Secretary’s explanation of his replies to press inquiries on the subject. |
231 |
| May 25 (393) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Formal declaration of the Peking Government (text printed) concerning the Japanese memorandum. |
231 |
| May 26 (399) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information of the Minister’s successful action to prevent a notification by commandants at Tientsin to various Chinese authorities, both Northern and Southern, extending beyond the agreed defense areas the lines within which Chinese forces would not be allowed. |
232 |
| May 29 (174) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of action taken and gratification over results. |
234 |
| June 1 (412) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Meeting of representatives of the powers with Chang Tso-lin, whose remarks were generally received as being in the nature of a valedictory and as indicating he may leave for Manchuria at any time. |
234 |
| June 4 (425) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent to certain Nationalist leaders (text printed) requesting arrangements for the peaceful withdrawal of General Pao’s forces from Peking. |
235 |
| June 5 (426) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on the departure of principal remaining officials of the Fengtien regime and control of Peking by a committee of elder statesmen; plans for the peaceful withdrawal of the remaining Fengtien brigade upon the arrival of the incoming Nationalist troops. |
235 |
| June 5 (427) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai: Receipt of a communication from the local Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, June 2 (text printed) in reply to the U. S. letter of May 18. Arrangements for publication. |
236 |
| June 8 (184) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that, through the consul general at Shanghai, the receipt of the Chinese note be acknowledged and gratification expressed over the assurances given. |
237 |
| June 9 (442) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Nationalist Government reply to the dean of the diplomatic corps, June 6 (text printed) promising that arrangements would be made for the peaceful withdrawal of General Pao’s forces. Telegrams sent by the dean to Nationalist authorities, June 9 (texts printed) concerning failure to live up to promise regarding Pao’s forces. |
237 |
| June 10 (444) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that the Committee of Safety has abruptly relinquished its responsibilities; probability that this was induced by apprehensions resulting from violation by Kuominchun of safe conduct promised to Pao. |
239 |
| June 11 (446) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Japanese and U. S. airplanes have been fired on; that U. S. Marine and Army officers are proceeding to Tientsin to confer with Feng’s commander for purpose of informing him of presence of U. S. forces at Hsinho. |
239 |
| June 11 (448) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt by the Senior Minister of a telegram dated June 10 from the Nationalist Foreign Minister (text printed) stating that commanders at the front are being instructed to investigate the situation and devise means for affording safety of Pao’s force. |
240 |
| June 12 (457) | From the Minister in China (tel.) View that no reply should be made to the Nanking Foreign Office note of June 2. |
240 |
| June 12 (186) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Adoption of Minister’s view. |
241 |
| June 12 (458) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Arrival of General Yen, June 11; his proclamation stating he assumes full responsibility for maintenance of law and order and protection of both Chinese and foreign lives and property. |
241 |
| June 19 (477) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram received by the Senior Minister from the Nationalist Foreign Minister June 13 (text printed) stating an investigation has been instituted regarding Pao’s forces and proper measures will be taken. Senior Minister’s reply (text printed) acknowledging telegram of June 13, and conveying further indications that Nationalist Government’s instructions have been ignored and assurances unfulfilled. |
241 |
| July 2 (1557) | From the Minister in China Letters exchanged, June 13–20, between the consul general at Tientsin and the commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet (texts printed) concerning protection of the U. S. citizens at Peitaiho. |
242 |
| July 9 (84) | From the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Interview with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs who stated that there are no new developments in Japan’s policy in Manchuria; that in regard to Shantung the Japanese attitude had not changed. |
245 |
| July 14 | From the Minister in China to the Commander in
Chief, Asiatic Fleet (tel.) Opinion that there is no necessity for retaining a vessel at Taku Bar, but presence of one at Chinwangtao is highly advisable. |
246 |
| July 18 (87) | From the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Foreign Minister’s interview given to U. S., British, French, and Italian representatives for the purpose of explaining the position of Japan in China with particular reference to the situation in Shantung and Tientsin. |
246 |
| July 18 (1581) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of Decanat circular of July 13 describing dean’s call upon the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs for the purpose of protesting against anti-foreign posters put up all over Peking; also copies of propaganda posters and hand bills. Probable reasons for the sudden flooding of Peking with propaganda literature. |
247 |
| July 24 (563) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Paxton, July 23: Report that Ginling College has been three times demanded as headquarters for Yen Hsi-shan during Fifth Plenary Conference. |
248 |
| July 25 (570) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Paxton, July 22 and 23: Reports of the seizure and occupation of American properties. |
249 |
| July 26 (242) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to make strong representations against the seizure and occupation of American properties. |
249 |
| July 26 | From the American Consul at Chefoo to the Commander
of the Tunghai Defense Forces Protest against indiscriminate firing of the commander’s forces in sections of the city wherein many Americans reside, which resulted in the wounding of an American sailor; information of amount of compensation fixed on behalf of the sailor, in view of commander’s voluntary offer of compensation. |
250 |
| July 28 (580) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note being transmitted to the Nationalist Foreign Minister (text printed) making strong representations against the seizure and occupation of U. S. properties. |
251 |
| Sept. 1 (674) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report that General Pai Tsung-hsi called on diplomatic representatives and stated that he has received orders to proceed against the Chihli-Shantung troops in northeastern Chihli and also that he gave assurances that every protection would be given U. S. lives and property. |
252 |
| Nov. 14 | From the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs to the
American Minister in China Information that all cases of occupation which have been reported have been dealt with and the properties evacuated and that inquiries have been instituted to ascertain whether other properties have been occupied and not reported. Explanation of occupations. |
252 |
Evacuation of American Citizens From Places of Danger in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 3 (1328) | From the Minister in China Information of the problems which the British are encountering with the reopening of their consulate at Chungking. Reference to his observations in telegram No. 1132, December 29, 1927, with respect to reopening consular offices in affected districts. |
254 |
| Jan. 7 | From the Minister in China to the Consul at
Tsinan Instructions, in view of problem created by the return of certain American missionaries to interior stations in Shantung without the approval of the consular office, to remind the secretaries of each mission having workers in the interior that the consulate has requested Americans not to remain in remote places and has never revoked its request, and that those Americans who still remain in such places do so entirely at their own risk and upon their own responsibility. Reasons for not following consul’s suggestion as to effecting some understanding with the Southern leaders regarding the protection of American citizens and property in the territories which they may conquer. |
255 |
| Apr. 17 (235) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, April 16: Information that two missionaries have left Tenghsien, but that five have decided to stay there; missionaries’ report that Northern troops are preparing to make a stand at Chiehho, 20 miles north of Tenghsien and that Shantung troops are remaining in Tenghsien to delay advance of Southern army. |
256 |
| Apr. 17 (222) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Explanation that the consulate can do nothing with the five missionaries who decided to remain in Tenghsien; their belief that the Southern forces are no longer antiforeign and that the mission property will suffer less if occupied. Minister’s intention to advise all Americans south of Tsinan to withdraw should the Northern army be unable to hold the Chiehho line, and to advise those in Tsinan to withdraw when the Southerners reach Taian. Request for definite instructions whether American citizens should be advised to withdraw in the event of a successful Southern advance. |
256 |
| Apr. 19 (246) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, April 18: Report that the situation is serious; that Kuominchun troops have surrounded Northern forces at Tsining and have attempted to cut railway north of Yenchow; and that Northern troops have retreated from Chiehho. |
257 |
| Apr. 19 (250) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Tsinan, April 19: Advice to be guided by previous instructions; authorization to advise withdrawal from any areas in which there is possibility of danger; understanding that Americans residing in danger zones are doing so either contrary to the advice of the consular office or without having sought advice; instructions to report number of Americans now in southern Shantung. (Repeated to Tsingtau and copies to Tientsin and Chefoo by mail.) |
257 |
| Apr. 20 (252) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, April 19: Report that Northern troops have evacuated Yenchow and that Marshal Sun has reached Taian; Kuominchun reported advancing on Taian; information that Americans have been advised to leave Tsinan and that British authorities have advised their nationals similarly. |
258 |
| Apr. 20 (253) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsingtao, April 19: Report that the Japanese plan to land 700 sailors; information that there are 200 Americans now in Tsingtau and that more are expected to come from Tsinan; request that American destroyers be detailed to Tsingtao in case of emergency evacuation; report of successful Nationalist advance toward Kiaochow Railway. Repeated to the commander in chief with recommendation that naval vessels be dispatched to Tsingtao, in accordance with request from consul. |
258 |
| Apr. 22 (228) | From the Consul at Tsingtao to the Minister in
China Information that destroyers will leave Tsingtao probably for Chefoo on April 25 or 26 when it is expected that the U. S. S. Beaver and six submarines will arrive. |
259 |
| Apr. 23 (259) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Chefoo, April 22: Possibility of collapse of Shantung government and seizure of Chefoo by bandits; recommendation for immediate dispatch of naval vessel; information that all Americans have been advised to come in from the interior; Japanese and British attitude. |
260 |
| Apr. 24 (261) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, April 23: General belief that Taian will be evacuated because of Kuominchun advance; unconfirmed report of recapture of Tsining; evacuation of 3 Americans from Taian and women and children from Tsinan; information that Americans in Tenghsien are unharmed. |
260 |
| Apr. 25 (266) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information from consul at Tsinan regarding number and location of Americans in southern Shantung; report that Rev. L. C. Osborn of the Church of the Nazarene Mission was captured by the Kuominchun forces in southern Chihli and that representations have been made to the appropriate officers requesting the release of Osborn and adequate protection for American citizens. |
260 |
| Apr. 25 (271) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from vice consul at Nanking, April 16, that, in general, missionaries who have returned to Kiangsu and Anhwei have found improvement in attitude of both civilians and soldiers, but that American buildings are still occupied by troops. |
261 |
| Apr. 26 (L. 3) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Information of circulars sent to Americans advising them to withdraw to Tsingtao or to Tientsin; plan to send motor car to Taian in attempt to persuade 13 Americans to leave; impossibility of communicating with other Americans in Southern controlled territory. Report that there are 102 Americans remaining in Tsinan consular district and that revised lists of citizens and properties in the district are being prepared. |
261 |
| Apr. 28 (L. 5) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Report that 91 Americans are now in the consular district, that 3 missionaries arrived from Taian, that 8 citizens will not leave Taian, and that citizens residing along the Kiaochi Railway are gradually withdrawing. |
262 |
| Apr. 30 (286) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, April 29: Information that Nationalist forces have cut the Kiaochow-Tsinan Railroad; that Tsinan is being evacuated, and the Japanese are fortifying two areas in the foreign settlement. (Repeated to Tokyo and to the commander in chief.) |
263 |
| Apr. 30 (139) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to use own discretion regarding closing of consulate at Tsinan. |
263 |
| May 2 (295) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Chefoo: Report that 251 Americans are now in Chefoo; suggestion that the Department request the Southern Baptist Mission Board at Richmond, Va., to instruct its missionaries, Dr. and Mrs. Gaston and Miss Miller, at Lai-chowfu to withdraw to Chefoo. |
264 |
| May 2 (296) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to consul at Tsinan, May 1, to use own discretion in closing consulate. |
264 |
| May 2 | To the American Southern Baptist Mission Board
(tel.) Urgent request that missionaries at Laichow be instructed to withdraw from their station. |
265 |
| May 3 (302) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Information that several Navy wives have gone to Chungking and that other Americans are proceeding to Szechuan, Hunan, and Honan; that inquiries have been received regarding reopening of Chungking and Changsha consulates; that, however, there is no change in the situation upriver. |
265 |
| May 4 (146) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Mission Board has telegraphed missionaries at Laichow to withdraw. |
265 |
| May 10 (332) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsingtau, May 9: Report of arrival of train from Tsinan with 15 Americans on board. Report that Japanese may seriously consider the operation of the railway temporarily in agreement with Chinese authorities and without establishing a neutral zone. |
265 |
| May 11 (L. 13) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Report of killing of Mrs. W. T. Hobart at Taian; dispatch of special messenger with letters addressed both to Dr. Hobart and to the commanding officer of the Nationalist armies in Taian requesting an immediate investigation to determine responsibility for the death of Mrs. Hobart. |
266 |
| May 12 (343) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from consul at Chefoo that Dr. Gaston refuses to comply with instructions of Mission Board. Suggestion that Board be requested to cable Gaston direct ordering withdrawal. |
267 |
| May 17 (362) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Osborn has telegraphed his wife from Kaifeng that he is with Ashcraft. Assumption that he is released and safe. |
267 |
| May 23 (L. 19) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Receipt of letters from Dr. Hobart and the local Nationalist commanding officer blaming Northern troops for death of Mrs. Hobart. |
268 |
| May 25 (874) | To the Minister in China Explanation why the Department will not follow the suggestion to request the Southern Baptist Mission Board to cable Dr. Gaston direct ordering his withdrawal. |
268 |
| May 26 (398) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Confirmation of reports regarding disorder in upper river and firing upon merchant vessels. |
269 |
| June 11 (890) | To the Minister in China Information that the consul at Foochow has requested a reconsideration of Department’s instruction No. 684 of November 16, 1927, regarding travel certificates. Suggestion that the Legation inform the consul whether it is now safe for American citizens to reside and travel in that district. |
269 |
| July 14 | To the Consul at Tsinan Commendation of manner in which he and Consul Stanton acted in matter of evacuation of Americans; and approval of various notes and letters issued on the subject. |
270 |
| July 23 | To the Reverend O. J. Johnson, President of the
Board of Foreign Missions of the Augustana
Synod Explanation of attitude of U. S. Government with respect to the return of missionaries to China; advice that missions should defer sending representatives to those places in the interior at which they cannot be afforded protection or from which they cannot be evacuated with safety and expedition in case of necessity. Information that the consul general at Hankow does not consider conditions in Honan Province sufficiently stabilized to warrant a general return of Americans. |
271 |
| July 23 | To the Consul General at Hankow Transmittal of letter from the Board of Foreign Missions of the Augustana Synod, together with a copy of the Department’s reply regarding the return of missionaries to Honan Province. Instructions to telegraph whether improvement of situation permits return of missionaries. |
272 |
| Aug. 9 (807) | From the Vice Consul at Nanking to the Minister in
China Letter to Rev. Wm. F. Junkin (text printed) explaining that the Legation has instructed consular offices to discourage the return of Americans into the interior. Information that most of the missionaries have made a weekly report concerning their safety; that friendly treatment has been received from Chinese civilians. Letter to heads of missionary organizations, June 18 (text printed) explaining the Department’s policy regarding return of Americans to Nanking consular district and requesting monthly statement listing Americans who have returned. |
272 |
| Aug. 22 (54) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) Advice that Americans should not return to Honan Province; and that if return is made it should be at their own risk and that in case of trouble the only assistance that can be rendered is that obtainable from Chinese authorities. (Repeated to Legation.) |
274 |
| Aug. 27 | From the Chargé in China to the Consul at
Tsinan Suggestion of the consul general at Tientsin that Americans requesting official sanction for their return to points in the interior be advised (1) that the consulate general does not consider the political situation sufficiently settled to justify withdrawing its advice to Americans not to return to the interior for purposes of residence, and (2) the decision to re-return must be made on the responsibility of the citizen. Legation’s reply (text printed) approving the suggestion and requesting a monthly list showing the names and places of residence of citizens who have returned. |
275 |
| Oct. 9 | From the Consul at Shanghai to the Minister in
China Transmittal of newspaper article dealing with assault on British subject who is Commissioner of Customs at Nanking. Information that no serious efforts have been made by the Nanking authorities to search out and punish the soldiers responsible for the outrage; apprehension among the foreigners of Nanking; unconfirmed news article regarding murder of a Nationalist officer by his own troops. Belief that foreigners in Nanking are not safe; recommendation that the Department continue its policy with reference to the return of women and children to the interior; opinion that return of missionaries would be unwise. |
276 |
| Oct. 25 (1724) | From the Minister in China Review of consular reports which tend to show that the mass of Nationalist soldiers have been so thoroughly indoctrinated with hatred of all foreigners as to constitute a danger to all foreigners residing in interior districts in which soldiers are stationed. Suggestion that these actualities of the situation be frankly brought to the attention of the Nationalist leaders in Washington. |
279 |
| Dec. 29 | To the Reverend A. L. Warnhuis, Secretary of the
Foreign Mission Conference of North America Information that the Legation at Peking and the consular officers have been authorized to use their discretion in the matter of advising U. S. citizens and of issuing travel passes for the interior of China; that the Department, however, continues to regard it as generally inadvisable for U. S. citizens to reside in the interior. |
281 |
Efforts of the United States To Obtain Amends From the Chinese Government for the Killing of Dr. Walter F. Seymour
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 25 (274) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan: Report of the shooting on April 16 of Dr. Walter F. Seymour, head of the Presbyterian Hospital at Tsining. Information that the Legation is endeavoring to secure details. |
281 |
| Apr. 26 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister in which the Minister expressed his regret over the press report of the killing of Dr. Seymour by a Chinese soldier. |
282 |
| Apr. 26 (L. 2) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Report of efforts through local authorities to secure information concerning the murder of Seymour. |
282 |
| Apr. 28 (279) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinan, April 26: Report that Americans in the Tsinan consular district have again been advised to withdraw to Tsingtao or Tientsin; and that efforts are being made to obtain further information concerning the Seymour incident and the location of Americans in Southern territory. |
283 |
| Apr. 30 (L. 7) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Account of Seymour’s murder as given by a Northern officer named Li Chan-yuan, implicating Southern soldiers under the command of Feng Yu-lsiang. |
284 |
| May 2 (298) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, May 1: Report from missionary at Teng-hsien stating that Seymour was shot, presumably by Feng’s soldiers, when he attempted to prevent the soldiers from entering the girls’ school. Minister’s request that information remain confidential. |
286 |
| May 21 (377) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note, May 15, delivered by the consul general at Shanghai, under instructions from the Legation, to the Shanghai Bureau of Foreign Affairs for transmission to the Foreign Minister (text printed) requesting among other things that the murderer of Seymour be arrested and executed, while reserving the right to make such further requests as may be necessary, especially with respect to payment of indemnity. Suggestion that the note be made public. |
286 |
| May 28 | From the Chinese Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at
Shanghai to the American Consul General at Shanghai Letter from the Foreign Minister, May 19 (text printed) quoting a reply to the U. S. Minister’s note to the effect that an inquiry has been ordered and that he deplores the death of Seymour and expresses his regret. |
287 |
| June 5 (880) | To the Minister in China Approval of terms of note of May 15 to the Nationalist Foreign Minister with exception of passage reading “that the murderer be arrested and executed.” Advisability questioned of specifying the nature of the punishment expected to be imposed upon the criminal; preference that the request call for arrest and trial of the criminal and the imposition of punishment commensurate with the offense committed. Information that the text of note was made public. |
288 |
| July 17 (545) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Shanghai, July 16: Note to Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for transmission to the Foreign Minister (text printed) referring to previous message of May 4 and requesting information as to what has been done towards the apprehension and punishment of those responsible for the crime. |
289 |
| Aug. 4 (598) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent to Nationalist Foreign Minister (text printed) again requesting information as to what had been done toward the apprehension and punishment of those responsible for the murder. |
290 |
| Dec. 5 (858) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a note was again addressed on October 31 to the Foreign Minister who finally replied on November 17 to the effect that investigation had revealed that Seymour was killed by a stray bullet. Request, in view of this highly unsatisfactory reply, for authority to recapitulate to the Foreign Minister the facts of the case with a statement that the indifference of the Chinese authorities has created in the mind of the U. S. Government a sense of insecurity and of doubt as to the good faith and competence of the Nationalist Government. |
290 |
| Dec. 28 (422) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of suggested note for Foreign Office, except with respect to statement. Modified statement (text printed). |
291 |
Continuation of the Embargo on Shipments of Arms to China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 19 (1361) | From the Minister in China Memorandum, January 17 (text printed) of a conversation between the Counselor of the Legation and the German Minister concerning a shipment of arms to China from Czechoslovakia and the Minister’s comments with reference to the U. S. Government’s attitude in regard to the extension of the arms embargo agreement. Information that several of his colleagues have discussed with him the arms embargo question and that it appears likely further discussion will lead to some proposal for respective governments’ consideration. |
292 |
| Feb. 13 (12) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Foreign Minister’s request that the U. S. Government be informed that the Japanese Minister at Peking has been instructed to confer with his colleagues with a view to securing adhesion of nonsignatory powers to the 1919 agreement for embargo of arms and ammunition for China; also his request that the U. S. Government instruct its Minister at Peking to give the Japanese Legation his active support in this proposal. |
294 |
| Feb. 18 (13) | To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Minister that the U. S. Government is responsive to the suggestion that the powers concerned confer, but feels that it would be advantageous first for the Ministers to investigate the degree of success that has attended the efforts of the signatory governments toward the achievement of the objectives of the 1919 agreement. |
294 |
| Feb. 18 (55) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Transmittal of excerpt from telegram No. 12, February 13, from the Minister in Japan and the Department’s reply. Department’s doubt whether it will be found possible to so strengthen and broaden the 1919 embargo as to render advisable its continuance. Instructions to use opportunity to guide discussions along these lines but to avoid giving impression that the U. S. Government has arrived at any conclusion in the premises. |
294 |
| Feb. 20 (109) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that, at the Japanese Minister’s request, a meeting of Heads of Legations is set for February 21 to discuss the arms embargo. |
295 |
| Feb. 23 (119) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Details of the meeting of diplomatic body, February 21; the Minister’s unsuccessful efforts to guide discussion along lines desired by the Department; decision of the meeting to send identic telegrams to their Governments (text printed) drawing attention to the 1919 arms embargo and expressing their conviction that powers who have not taken any measure should be induced to do so as soon as possible; decision also to submit matter of publicity to respective Governments. |
296 |
| Feb. 25 (67) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) View that the U. S. Government is not involved in any expressed commitment by the identic telegram; and information that the Department interposes no objection to its publication, also that the Department perceives no objection to proposal that the initiative be taken by Japan with a view to inviting nonsignatory powers to participate in the embargo. |
297 |
| Mar. 9 (151) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information from the Japanese Minister that a note was handed to the Soviet Ambassador at Tokyo on March 1 urging that the Soviets refrain from permitting the importation of arms into China. Decision of diplomatic meeting that identic telegram should be released for publication March 10. |
298 |
| Mar. 14 (787) | From the Ambassador in Japan Report of interviews with the Vice Foreign Minister concerning possibility of securing adhesion of nonsignatory powers. |
298 |
| Mar. 28 (805) | From the Ambassador in Japan Report of interview with Foreign Minister March 22 in which the Ambassador sought to discover what progress was being made in the direction of the embargo on arms for China. |
300 |
| Mar. 28 (1451) | From the Chargé in China Concurrence in conclusion reached by consul general at Tientsin that it would be highly desirable to obtain early legislation dealing with question of U. S. participation in arms, opium, and narcotic traffic in China. |
300 |
| Mar. 29 (193) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Reuters despatch dated March 26 (text printed) reporting that the Soviet Government, in reply to Japan, stated that import of arms to China is a matter exclusively within the competence of China and refused to join in the agreement. |
301 |
| Apr. 3 (829) | To the Minister in China Information of a discussion of arms embargo with the British Ambassador. |
301 |
| Apr. 11 (223) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of meeting of diplomatic body, April 2, in which the Japanese Minister made known the Soviet reply and the purpose of the Japanese Government to make further representations to the Soviet Government upon the matter. |
302 |
| May 4 (1491) | From the Minister in China Concurrence in view of the consul general at Harbin that the G. A. Bashkiroff and Company would not be violating the arms embargo agreement in importing a two-ton truck chassis from the United States, even though an armored car for that truck is to be constructed locally for use against bandits. |
302 |
| June 20 (484) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request that the Department reconsider the question of including commercial airships under U. S. interpretation of the arms embargo agreement. |
303 |
| June 23 (198) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Department will grant permits to export commercial airplanes to China. |
303 |
| July 9 (908) | To the Minister in China View that it would be advisable for the present to posptone the proposing of new legislation to cover U. S. participation in arms and narcotic traffic in China. |
304 |
| July 11 | To the Secretary of the American Institute of Marine
Underwriters Information that the agreement which member companies of the Institute consider entering into not to insure shipments of arms and ammunition to China, is entirely in accord with the policy of the Department which would welcome its adoption. Suggestion that the agreement contain a clause allowing insurance to be placed on shipments from the United States for which licenses have been issued. |
304 |
| July 30 (937) | To the Minister in China Instructions with respect to the 1919 agreement and the President’s proclamation of 1922, for the guidance of consular officers in China. Information that the Department is disposed to offer no objection to the exportation of the automobile chassis mentioned in the Minister’s despatch No. 1491, May 4. |
305 |
| Sept. 24 | To Senator Hiram Bingham Information that, in order to fulfill policies and duties arising from the 1919 agreement and the President’s proclamation of 1922, export permits are required for export of airplanes to China; that permits for export of commercial planes are granted immediately following submission of application. |
307 |
| Dec. 5 (1787) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of minutes of meeting of representatives of powers on November 23, called to consider the desirability of maintaining, modifying, or doing away with the 1919 agreement; observation that it was decided to maintain the status quo in respect of the arms embargo. |
308 |
Reduction of American Marine Forces in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 2 (135) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Recommendation that the American forces in North China not be reduced at present. |
309 |
| Mar. 5 (138) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From the Minister: Disagreement with recommendation of the commander in chief of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet that U. S. Marine forces in China be reduced; recommendation that no reduction take place until the Legation is able to report that American lives and property will not be imperiled. |
309 |
| Mar. 5 (80) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for opinion as to advisability of withdrawing any of the U. S. cruisers on China station and for information as to number of British forces now in China. |
311 |
| Mar. 13 (160) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Opinion, in which Minister concurs, that this is not an appropriate time for reducing U. S. naval, marine, or military forces in China and that if it is impossible for Navy to reconsider withdrawal of light cruisers, they should be held available for immediate return. Statement of number of British forces in China. |
311 |
| July 13 (222) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for views on the plan being considered by the Navy to reduce U. S. forces in China by about one thousand men. |
313 |
| July 22 (558) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication sent to commander in chief of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet expressing the opinion that, if necessary, the Marines at Tientsin might be reduced to less than two thousand men without undue risk, and telegram which the commander in chief proposes to send to Navy Department approving the reduction of the Marine force at Tientsin as suggested by General Butler but recommending that the force at Shanghai be maintained (texts printed). |
313 |
| July 24 (237) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Navy will proceed in accordance with General Butler’s plan as modified by the commander in chief. |
315 |
| Oct. 5 (749) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent to the commander in chief stating belief that the Marine forces at Shanghai may soon be reduced by one half (text printed). |
315 |
| Oct. 12 (768) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication from the commander in chief quoting despatch which he plans to send to Navy Department proposing removal of two companies of Marines from Shanghai, and reply sent to commander in chief October 11 approving proposed removal (texts printed). |
315 |
| Nov. 1 (805) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the commander in chief has asked for views on his plan to recommend that the withdrawal of all Marines from Tientsin be commenced and that a reply has been sent (text printed) stating reasons why it is believed that the maintenance of the forces at Tientsin is essential but expressing belief that forces at Shanghai might be further reduced. |
316 |
| Nov. 5 (810) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from the commander in chief (text printed) quoting an exchange of communication with Navy Department concerning reduction of the forces in China and the recommendations which the commander in chief proposes to make; Minister’s reply (text printed) stating reasons why he disapproves of withdrawal from Tientsin and setting forth recommendation which he intends to submit to the Department of State. |
317 |
| Nov. 8 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State View that the issue is in regard to the place from which the next withdrawal shall take place and that, in the opinion of the officers of the Department, the views of the Minister should prevail. (Footnote: Information that this paper bears the notation: “Memorandum for Cabinet.”) |
319 |
| Nov. 9 (374) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Department understands that at present it is proposed to withdraw three hundred men from Tientsin and that before any further reduction is made the entire matter of the place from which to take men will be reconsidered. |
320 |
Satisfaction of the Department of State With the Services of United States Army Forces and Agencies in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Sept. 13 (311) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Request that the Minister make a report in regard to the War Department’s question as to whether the services of the Army forces in China had been satisfactory to the Department of State. |
320 |
| Sept. 27 (1679) | From the Minister in China Report that the services of the Army forces in China have been altogether satisfactory; and expression of enthusiastic appreciation. |
320 |
| Nov. 20 | To the Secretary of War Transmittal of the Minister’s report of September 27; and statement that the Department concurs in Minister’s views. |
322 |
Agreement Between the United States and China in Settlement of the Nanking Incident of March 24, 1927, and the Reopening of the Consulate at Nanking
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 14 (28) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Minister’s intention to go to Shanghai in the near future in an attempt to effect a satisfactory settlement of the Nanking outrages. |
323 |
| Feb. 29 (1) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Interview at Shanghai with Huang Fu, new Foreign Minister of Nationalist Government at Nanking; reasons for Minister’s refusal of Huang’s invitation to be his guest on trip upriver and intention not to land at Nanking; arrangements for preliminary negotiations between Cunningham, consul general at Shanghai, and a representative of Huang, while Minister is upriver; Huang’s assurances of his intention to offer terms wholeheartedly making atonement for outrages; Minister’s warning against overoptimism as to possibilities for settlement along lines desired. |
323 |
| Mar. 13 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) From the Minister, March 12: Instructions to express to Huang the Minister’s disappointment over Huang’s proposals; request for reasons for Huang’s volte-face and his apparent insistence upon a point which he well knew the United States could not consider. |
326 |
| Mar. 20 (99) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) For the Minister: Approval of decision not to land at Nanking; suggestion, however, that it might be advisable to delay at Nanking long enough for some qualified person to make a cursory investigation as to the condition of U. S. property. |
327 |
| Mar. 23 (183) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, March 13: Desire of Huang to be informed of the total amount of reparations to be demanded; disposition of Nanking authorities to consider consular claims as preferred. To Nanking, March 15: Suggestion that Paxton inform the Department of claims of consular Chinese staff. Information that the Minister has been informed, together with the suggestion that the Department be asked to ascertain total claims from missionary board. |
327 |
| Mar. 23 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Intention not to have any officers visit Nanking at present time. Plan to arrive at Shanghai March 26. |
328 |
| Mar. 24 (106) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) For the Minister: Summary of Department’s information regarding possibilities of effecting a settlement. Request to be informed whether there is no item in Huang’s proposals which can be made a starting point for discussions; also of the alleged tentative agreement between British and Nanking authorities. |
329 |
| Mar. 27 (187) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, March 26: Information that the British Minister left for Peking March 25 without reaching an agreement regarding settlement of Nanking outrage. |
329 |
| Mar. 28 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the British Minister has rejected the tentative agreement and abandoned the negotiation; that although considerable preliminary work has been done by Cunningham and Paxton the whole matter of settlement is nebulous. |
330 |
| Mar. 30 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that settlement has been reached with Huang in accordance with terms in Secretary’s memorandum of November 3, 1927, and oral instructions. |
330 |
| Mar. 30 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Documents constituting the settlement (texts printed) consisting of (1) Minister’s note accepting the terms of the Foreign Minister’s note (which it quotes) stating that the Nationalist Government is prepared to bring about settlement along lines already agreed upon, (2) Minister’s note with reference to the action of the Noa and the Preston, and (3) Minister’s note with respect to revision of existing treaties and extraterritoriality. Information that a memorandum is being prepared regarding the functioning of a joint commission; that Huang has given only general assurances that the Nanking regime will exert itself to the utmost to pay off the claims. |
331 |
| Mar. 31 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Department’s congratulations; and information that comments on notes and replies will be sent shortly. |
333 |
| Mar. 31 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Details of the successful settlement with Huang. |
334 |
| Mar. 31 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Department’s approval of notes signed. |
335 |
| Apr. 1 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Plan to return to Peking without visiting Nanking and before exchange of notes which will be made through Cunningham. |
335 |
| Apr. 2 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Exchange of notes. Arrangement for their publication on April 4. |
336 |
| Apr. 2 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Information that the press is carrying complete summaries of the notes evidently given out by Nationalist authorities at Nanking. Instructions to rush texts of Chinese notes. |
336 |
| Apr. 3 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Information that Huang’s first note was quoted in the U. S. Minister’s first reply. Huang’s second note (text printed) regarding action of the Noa and the Preston; and his third note (text printed) with respect to existing treaties and extraterritoriality. |
337 |
| Apr. 4 (112) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s estimate of amount of claims. |
337 |
| Apr. 8 (215) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Views with respect to the reopening of the consulate at Nanking; suggestion that, at an opportune moment, Huang suggest a visit to Nanking by Cunningham and Paxton to inspect the consular premises and make the acquaintance of Nanking authorities. Recommendation that Paxton be appointed consul at Nanking with understanding he will remain at Shanghai where he can cultivate the acquaintance of majority of Nanking leaders. |
338 |
| Apr. 11 (117) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of proposed arrangements for Cunningham and Paxton to visit Nanking. Suggestion that at that time the reopening of the consulate be made a subject of discussion with Chinese officials. Plan to have Paxton reopen the consulate and Spiker be commissioned as consul at Nanking and be sent there. |
339 |
| Apr. 23 (260) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, April 22: Huang representative’s oral undertaking to place in Cunningham’s hand by April 28: (1) Letter enclosing March 30 instructions to commissioners (text printed), (2) names of Chinese commission, (3) letter accepting Minister’s counter draft instructions (text printed), and (4) check for $100,000 as initial payment. Recommendation that American commissioners be announced. Concurrence in Cunningham’s recommendation. Request for authorization to designate, as commissioners, Spiker and either Patton or Lowrie of the Presbyterian Mission, since the commission should be constituted by April 30. |
340 |
| Apr. 24 (135) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of recommendations. |
341 |
| Apr. 30 (290) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai: Report that Patton is glad to accept designation, but Presbyterian Board of Missions refuses to decide prior to May 14 and is inclined to disapprove missionaries serving on commission; suggestion that Department take up matter with the Board. |
342 |
| May 2 (141) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation that, since Presbyterian Board declines to act before May 14, some one else be appointed. Suggestion that Williams, Registrar of China Trade Act, be considered. |
342 |
| May 2 (301) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt by Cunningham on April 26 of $100,000 as initial payment of reparations. Announcement by Nationalist authorities of their designations to the Sino-American Commission, although they have wholly ignored the oral undertakings made to Cunningham in April. |
342 |
| May 5 (313) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation that, since settlement of hitch in constituting the commission has been delayed by Huang’s absence, the Department proceed to obtain favorable action from the Presbyterian Board. |
343 |
| May 11 (339) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that it has been necessary to hold in abeyance the preliminaries looking toward the consular visit to Nanking, in view of the failure of the Nationalist authorities to live up to their assurances with respect to the constitution of the Joint Commission. |
343 |
| May 14 (348) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Proposal to designate Lyman, retired from Standard Oil Company, as second member of commission, should the Presbyterian Board not authorize Patton to serve. |
344 |
| May 17 (161) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Presbyterian Board has declined to authorize Patton; Department’s approval of Lyman. |
344 |
| May 22 (382) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, May 21: Draft note (text printed) which Huang’s representative is willing to exchange with Cunningham concerning instructions to commissioners. To Shanghai: Information that Minister is expecting to approve suggestion and will mail note in terms suggested. |
345 |
| May 24 (390) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, May 23: Copy of Huang’s draft reply (text printed); Huang’s request that Minister’s note be dated May 11, his reply being dated May 19 owing to his resignation on May 22. To Shanghai: Information that Huang’s note is acceptable and that Minister’s note will be dated May 11. |
346 |
| June 3 (418) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, June 1: Futility of consideration of claims for real property while property is still occupied; suggestion that commissioners refrain from consideration of any claim of this nature until real property is permanently restored. Suggestion that commissioners be instructed to confine their examination of claims to those for personal injuries and losses until such time as real property is permanently restored. |
346 |
| June 8 (185) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of suggestions. Desire that before termination of commission all claims for real property losses be examined. |
347 |
| July 11 (219) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization for commissioners to accept further claims that may be received too late for submission to the Department. Desire for detailed and tabulated record of commission’s action and decisions. |
348 |
| Aug. 10 (614) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note to Cunningham from Wang, Nationalist Foreign Minister, July 25 (text printed) inviting him to visit the Nanking consulate in order to assess losses for use of commission. Cunningham’s intention to accept invitation with statement he will visit to inspect all U. S. property there, and to proceed to Nanking August 9 accompanied by Paxton. Wang’s desire that consulate be reopened and assertion that any desired ceremonial as to flag raising would be given. |
348 |
| Aug. 15 (629) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that the British expect to reopen their consulate at Nanking about August 21. |
349 |
| Aug. 17 (273) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Desire that Cunningham be instructed to reopen Nanking consulate at earliest possible date; that Spiker and Paxton take up residence at Nanking following return of premises. Instructions concerning ceremonies and U. S. representation at them. |
349 |
| Aug. 18 (643) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report from Paxton that a considerable number of persons are delinquent in filing claims. Instructions to Paxton to ask aid of mission secretaries, since majority of delinquents are missionaries. Suggestion that the Department urge all mission boards to cooperate. |
350 |
| Aug. 21 (281) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions concerning lease and repair of Nanking consulate, and its reoccupation. |
351 |
| Aug. 25 (287) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Desire that return of consulate and ceremonies attendant thereon take place without awaiting completion of repairs. |
352 |
| Aug. 28 (664) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Spiker: Report on inaugural meeting of Joint Commission. |
352 |
| Aug. 29 (667) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From commander in chief, Asiatic Fleet: Details of ceremonies to be held at Nanking and suggestion that official relations be resumed with the interchange of salutes, etc. Request for comments. |
352 |
| Aug. 30 (294) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Belief that communication to missionary bodies is unnecessary. Approval of instructions to Paxton. |
353 |
| Aug. 31 (300) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Authorization to proceed on assumption that the Nationalist Government has been fully recognized by the U. S. Government. Concurrence with views of commander in chief. Suggestion that Cunningham deliver suitable message from Minister at the ceremonies. |
354 |
| Sept. 6 (692) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report from Cunningham (text printed) concerning arrangements with Wang for the reopening and the ceremonies between September 20 and 25. |
354 |
| Sept. 8 (308) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of arrangements. |
356 |
| Sept. 11 (698) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, September 10: Wang’s acceptance of program proposed in March including full military ceremonies with guards of honor. Premature press reports giving date of ceremonies as October 1. |
356 |
| Sept. 13 (704) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, September 12: Request for specific instructions, since the Chinese are seeking to make U. S. attitude in reference to claims precedential insofar as other international claims are concerned, with respect to: value to be used as measure of damages to be assessed, whether interest on amount of award is a proper charge against Nationalist Government, and whether award payments should be paid in Mexican currency according to proposal of Chinese Commissioners. |
356 |
| Sept. 16 (710) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Tentative draft message to be delivered by Cunningham at ceremony (text printed). |
358 |
| Sept. 17 (315) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Views that question of value should be settled by the commission; that interest on amount of award is a proper charge against the Nationalist Government; and that the Department perceives no objection to plan with respect to payment of awards in Mexican or U. S. currency. |
359 |
| Sept. 18 (319) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Substitution for tentative draft of message to be delivered at ceremonies (text printed). |
359 |
| Sept. 20 (719) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, September 17: Information from Foreign Minister that he has encountered opposition in Nanking to proposed honors to the U. S. flag. |
360 |
| Oct. 4 (334) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to facts of Associated Press story that reopening of Nanking consulate is deadlocked because of Nationalist Government’s refusal to salute the U. S. flag unless the United States should salute first. |
360 |
| Oct. 4 (335) | To the Minister in China (tel.) For the U. S. Commissioners: Information that, in reply to inquiry from the University of Nanking, the Department has stated that statements of losses will not be presented to Joint Commission against expressed wishes of claimants. |
361 |
| Oct. 5 (748) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Denial of press report of deadlock. Information that word is awaited from Wang both as to his efforts to overcome opposition to arrangements and as to progress of repairs of consulate. Recommendation that the issue not be forced. |
361 |
| Oct. 20 (354) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform U. S. Commissioners that the Baptist Mission Society prefers not to file any claims for losses in connection with the Nanking affair. |
361 |
| Oct. 23 (356) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) For U. S. Commissioners: Information that the trustees of Nanking University have decided that no statement of losses sustained by the University during the Nanking affair will be submitted to the Department or the Joint Commission. |
362 |
| Oct. 26 (359) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry whether return of consular officers to Nanking may be expected soon, as Secretary considers presence of U. S. official at seat of government very desirable. |
362 |
| Oct. 30 (801) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Minister is hopeful the matter can be arranged in the near future. |
362 |
| Nov. 2 (367) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request to be informed, in view of the constant questioning of the press, why time for opening consulate has been postponed, particularly whether on account of failure to agree on details of ceremonies. |
362 |
| Nov. 3 (807) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, November 2: Information from Wang that Nationalist Government’s attitude remains unchanged, but that a warm reception would be given U. S. consular officer on his arrival in Nanking and assumption of his consular duties. Information that Cunningham and Spiker are being directed to proceed to Nanking and reoccupy consular premises about November 9 without any ceremonies. Hope that the Department may yet give consideration to belief of Minister, consular representatives, and commander in chief that it would be a mistake to dispense with a ceremony appropriate for the return of the U S. flag to Nanking. |
363 |
| Nov. 4 (808) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Certain explanations of arrangements for reopening of Nanking consulate which might be made to the press. |
364 |
| Nov. 8 (372) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Desire that at the reopening of the consulate there should be no ceremonies whatsoever. Suggestion that naval personnel of rank and number equal to those expelled in 1927 might accompany Spiker and Paxton, thus constituting a return to status quo ante. Approval of November 9 as tentative date of proposed return. |
364 |
| Nov. 13 (827) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Reasons for not referring to the commander in chief the Department’s suggestion regarding naval personnel. Plan to instruct Spiker to take oath as consul at Nanking on his next visit there in connection with his work on the Joint Commission. |
365 |
| Nov. 26 (844) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, November 23: U. S. Commissioners’ inquiry whether Legation agrees with their position that claim for rental for mission premises while occupied is properly included as loss; also for Legation’s sanction to acceptance of Chinese proposal that the Commission shall not consider claims originally filed after November 27, with proviso with respect to other claims. |
366 |
| Nov. 28 (846) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, November 24: Notification from Joint Commission (text printed) requesting sanction to extend the period for completion of work from November 27. To Shanghai, November 27: Note for Wang (text printed), suggesting extension of period for completion of Commission’s work. |
367 |
| Nov. 30 (393) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that claim for rental cannot be supported on legal grounds. Agreement to time limit for original filing of claims. |
367 |
| Nov. 30 (394) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of Commission’s recommendations and Minister’s action. |
368 |
| Dec. 6 (861) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, December 4: Desire of Commissioners for definite instructions as to advices to be given claimants concerning remedy available in claims for rent. |
368 |
| Dec. 17 (410) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that in the absence of the facts of a particular case the Department cannot lay down a definite rule for assessing damages due to occupation of property which would include rental value of the property. |
368 |
| 1929 Jan. 3 (4) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry from Admiral Bristol as to what attitude he should adopt with respect to resumption of customary naval honors with Chinese authorities. |
369 |
| Jan. 5 (7) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions that, in matters of official etiquette such as naval honors, U. S. officers should accord to Chinese authorities the usual courtesies accorded a fully recognized foreign state. |
369 |
Chinese Proposals for Tariff Autonomy and Cooperation of the United States and Other Powers With China in the Revision of Chinese Tariff Valuations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Aug. 7 (Conf. 57) | From the American Delegation at the Chinese Tariff
Conference (tel.) Foreign Ministry’s suggestion that the interested powers notify their commercial attachés or consuls at Shanghai to exchange views with Chinese representatives looking toward an early revision of the schedule of import duties provided for in the 1922 customs treaty. Recommendation for U. S. participation in the proposed revision, and suggestion of Julean Arnold, U. S. commercial attaché, as American delegate. |
370 |
| Aug. 27 (41) | To the American Delegation at the Chinese Tariff
Conference (tel.) Designation of Julean Arnold as American delegate to Tariff Valuations Revision Commission. |
371 |
| 1927 Apr. 29 (500) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information from Arnold that office of Tariff Valuations Commission at Shanghai was taken over by Nationalist Government on April 4; Foreign Office proposal that Commission convene at Peking for completion of its work. |
371 |
| Nov. 10 (984) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Agreement of diplomatic body to continuation in Peking of work of Commission; Foreign Minister’s notification of next meeting on December 1; Arnold’s suggestion that Treasury Department be requested to instruct Martin R. Nicholson, Treasury representative at Shanghai, to proceed to Peking to assist American delegate. |
372 |
| Nov. 25 (388) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that Treasury Department has directed Nicholson to proceed to Peking. |
372 |
| Dec. 7 | From the Commercial Attaché in China to the Legation
in China Résumé of formation of Commission, its early sessions at Shanghai, and subsequent resumption of sessions at Peking; report of discussions on schedule of valuations under consideration at meeting of December 6, and counter proposals of various delegates. |
372 |
| Dec. 10 | From the Commercial Attaché in China to the Legation
in China Report of Commission’s meeting of December 9; statement that Japanese delegate showed no disposition to accept any other than the valuations as proposed by him; that little progress was made toward an agreement on values for commodities under consideration. |
375 |
| Dec. 29 (1134) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Foreign Ministry’s proposal for acquiescence by the powers in certain tariff arrangements which it is hoped can be arrived at between delegates of Northern and Southern regimes; explanation of the project by A. H. F. Edwardes, Inspector General of Customs. Recommendation for U. S. approval and support of the project as a basis for constructive action toward solution of existing conditions in China. |
376 |
| 1928 Jan. 12 (12) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that project described by Edwardes involves changes in U. S.–Chinese tariff treaties which can be made only by entering into a new agreement requiring Senate ratification or by a modus vivendi authorized in advance by Congress; U. S. opposition to reciprocal tariff bargaining by China, as anticipated in the proposal. |
379 |
| Feb. 13 (91) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that a modus vivendi would be perilous; understanding that the arrangements outlined in the Edwardes proposal would not involve any discrimination, and hope that there will therefore be no need for United States to oppose it. |
382 |
| Feb. 15 (1389) | From the Minister in China Note from the commercial attaché (text printed) concerning work of the Commission, and indicating conciliatory attitude of all the foreign powers represented except Japan. |
383 |
| Mar. 6 (142) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Inclination of Chinese members of Commission to put on a 5 percent ad valorem basis any items of tariff on which they cannot agree to accept fixed values as offered in counter proposals of foreign delegates. Inquiry whether U. S. delegate should accept such basis for items affecting U. S. trade. |
384 |
| Mar. 8 (87) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s willingness to approve 5 percent ad valorem basis for disputed items; concurrence of Commerce Department. |
384 |
| Mar. 17 (170) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai: Nationalist Government regulations creating the National Tariff Committee for the purpose of hastening realization of tariff autonomy; provisions outlining duties and functions of the Committee (text printed). |
385 |
| Mar. 21 | From the Commercial Attaché in China to the Legation
in China Difficulties of U. S. delegate to Tariff Valuations Revision Commission in arriving at a fixed value basis on certain commodities because of Chinese insistent desire to increase values of the 1922 schedules, irrespective of the relations of these increases to the Shanghai wholesale market values for the year 1925, which was the period selected by the Chinese as a basis for the revisions. |
386 |
| Mar. 29 | From the Treasury Representative at Shanghai to the
Minister in China Outline of organization of the National Tariff Commission of Shanghai. |
388 |
| Undated [Rec’d May 26] | Memorandum by the Counselor of Legation in
China Conversation with A. H. F. Edwardes, April 12, in which Edwardes said that his project for an arrangement between Northern and Southern regimes regarding customs matters had been received favorably by civil officials of the Nationalist Government but not by the military, and hence it appeared that little could be done about customs matters until the Nationalists had finished their expedition in the North. |
389 |
| June 29 | From the Commercial Attaché in China to the Minister
in China Completion of work of Tariff Valuations Revision Commission on June 28, following instructions of the new Nationalist official in Peking that work be finished by June 30; likelihood that the new tariff schedules will be made effective by Nationalist Government; opinion that values finally assessed by the Commission are fair. |
390 |
| July 3 (505) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for authority to assent to the application of the revised schedules to American imports, contingent upon assent of other treaty powers concerned. |
392 |
| July 12 (220) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s doubt as to its authority to give the requested assent, since revised schedules are not in conformity with article 4 of Washington customs treaty; nonobjection to enforcement of schedules, however, if accepted by other powers concerned and if containing no discriminatory features. |
393 |
| Dec. 8 (864) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Message from the consul at Shanghai transmitting letter from the Chinese Foreign Minister to the American Minister (texts printed) giving notification of new import tariff to become effective February 1, 1929. Inquiry whether Department desires particulars as to the new tariff. |
393 |
| Dec. 11 (404) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that Department does not need particulars of tariff schedules, but desires information concerning attitude of other governments. |
394 |
| Dec. 13 (875) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Notes on the new tariff schedules submitted by the commercial attaché (text printed), indicating that American trade must bear the heaviest burden of the increased tariff and stating that the findings of the Tariff Valuations Revision Commission were disregarded in the drafting of the new tariff. |
395 |
| Dec. 20 (884) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Desire for information as to likelihood of ratification of U. S.-Chinese tariff treaty by January 1, in view of message from Shanghai (text printed) stating that new tariff may not become effective February 1 because ratification of the treaty before January 1 seems problematical. |
395 |
| Dec. 20 (885) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on the new tariff schedules which is being forwarded by the commercial attaché to the Department of Commerce (extract printed), covering certain details of the tariff and pointing out apparent unfavorable position of American trade in certain respects. |
396 |
Proposals for Revision of Chinese Treaties Regarding Tariff Control and Extraterritoriality
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 31 (1137) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that, in view of the denunciation of the Spanish treaty by the Peking regime, certain members of the diplomatic body have met and agreed upon two formulas (texts printed), one to be used by each government in replying to a Chinese denunciation of its treaty and the other to be used by the other governments in case the treaty of one country is denounced; recommendation that authorization be given to act favorably on the above suggestions. |
398 |
| 1928 Jan. 3 (2) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that it is inadvisable to enter into any commitment such as that set forth in the Minister’s telegram No. 1137 of December 31, 1927. |
400 |
| Jan. 5 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with Frank W. Lee, of the Nationalist Government, who described the political situation at Nanking and asked certain questions relative to the formation of the Chinese delegation to negotiate with U. S. representatives regarding treaty revision; the Assistant Secretary’s reply that the delegation must be a creation of the Chinese and that after it is formed the U. S. Government will ascertain whether it is truly representative. |
401 |
| Jan. 12 (14) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Report of the Secretary’s statement at a press conference January 11 that there is nothing new in the Chinese treaty matter (text printed). |
403 |
| Jan. 23 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador in which the proposed joint delegation of the Chinese was discussed. |
403 |
| Feb. 28 (42) | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Report of a statement by the new Foreign Minister of the Nationalist Government (text printed) setting forth the foreign policy of that Government. |
406 |
| Mar. 9 (153) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, March 8: Statement by the Foreign Minister of the Nationalist Government (text printed) explaining his foreign policy. |
407 |
| Apr. 26 (1485) | From the Minister in China Report of various conversations with the Foreign Ministers of the Nanking and Peking regimes which seem to indicate that neither regime is prepared to enter into treaty negotiations either conjointly or concurrently; memorandum of a conversation with the Foreign Minister of the Nanking regime on February 26 (text printed). |
408 |
| May 29 (176) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Report of an informal conversation with a representative of the Nationalist Government who gave an account of Japanese activities in Tsinan and Manchuria, claiming that the recent Japanese action concerning Manchuria implies an assumption of extraordinary political rights. |
412 |
| June 17 (471) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Newspaper accounts of a declaration issued by the Nationalist Government stating that the time is ripe for beginning the negotiation of new treaties and of a statement issued by the new Foreign Minister of the Nationalist Government expressing a hope for the sympathetic assistance of friendly nations in the form of new treaties and material aid (texts printed). |
413 |
| July 11 | From the Special Representative of the Chinese
Nationalist Government Hope that the United States will now enter into treaty negotiations with the Nationalist Government as the representative of the Chinese people. |
415 |
| July 13 | From the Chinese Legation Declaration made by the Foreign Minister of the Nationalist Government on July 7 that old treaties which have expired shall be replaced by new treaties, that steps shall be taken to terminate those which have not expired and to replace them by new ones, and that in the case of old treaties which have expired but have not yet been replaced, interim regulations shall be promulgated. (Footnote: Notation that this memorandum purports to be the text of a telegram to the Chinese Minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Nanking.) |
416 |
| July 16 (537) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from Shanghai of the interim regulations issued by the Nationalist Foreign Minister (text printed). |
416 |
| July 21 (557) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Reuters report that the Japanese consul at Nanking has been notified by the Nationalist Government that the three months’ extension of the Japanese treaty has expired and that the interim regulations will now be applied to Japanese in China. |
417 |
| July 23 (560) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that, according to press reports from Tokyo, Japan has warned Manchuria against joining the Nationalist Government; opinion that if the Chinese decline to meet the Japanese halfway in the matter of treaty revision, a serious impasse may result. |
418 |
| July 24 (82) | To the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Request for comments regarding official reaction in Japan to the denunciation of the treaty and regarding press reports of the Japanese warning to Manchuria. |
418 |
| July 25 (90) | From the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Report of a statement given out by the Japanese Foreign Minister to the effect that Japan would not admit of a unilateral denunciation of the treaty, that a new treaty could not be negotiated with the Nanking regime since it had not proved itself responsible, and that the Japanese consul at Mukden had advised that Manchuria await developments before accepting the Nationalist regime. |
419 |
| July 27 | To the Special Representative of the Chinese
Nationalist Government Notification that the American Minister in China has transmitted a statement dated July 24 to the Nationalist Foreign Minister setting forth the U. S. attitude in the treaty matter. |
421 |
| Aug. 4 (94) | From the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Report of a conversation with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs who gave assurances that Japan was not seeking any new advantage, but was determined to maintain as far as possible the status quo, at least in Manchuria. |
422 |
| Aug. 9 (609) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note from the Japanese Minister to the Nationalist Foreign Minister, July 31 (extract printed) stating that if the Nationalist Government would withdraw their declaration to enforce the provisional regulations, the Japanese Government would agree to begin treaty negotiations, but that if the Chinese should attempt to enforce the regulations the Japanese would have to take suitable measures to protect their interests. |
423 |
| Undated [Rec’d Sept. 29] | From the Japanese Embassy Statement of Japan’s policy toward China. |
425 |
| Sept. 29 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the Special Japanese Ambassador to Paris, visiting in the United States, who set forth the Japanese Government’s attitude toward China, and was told of the U. S. actions and informed that the U. S. Government was of the opinion that all the powers should go as far as they could in strengthening the efforts of the Nationalist Government to the end that a stable government might be built up. |
427 |
| Oct. 3 (745) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Nationalist Foreign Minister has communicated proposals to certain powers for the negotiation of new treaties; and indication of the replies of the various governments. |
430 |
| Oct. 6 (338) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Chinese Minister brought in a telegram from the Nationalist Foreign Minister expressing the hope that the U. S. Government will immediately begin negotiations for a new general treaty and will use its influence to induce other powers to take similar steps, in reply to which the Secretary stated that he would canvass the other governments as to their attitude and would authorize conversations with officers of the Department but that they were not to be confused with negotiations. |
433 |
| Oct. 29 (1026) | To the Minister in China Information that the Special Representative of the Nationalist Government has presented his credentials empowering him to negotiate a new treaty with the United States; but that, although he has been given to understand that the Department is ready to begin conversations on the subject, he has not yet called for that purpose. |
433 |
| Nov. 12 (1034) | To the Minister in China Information that conversations are now in progress between the Special Representative of the Nationalist Government and the officers of the Department. |
434 |
| Nov. 22 | To the British Embassy Request for information concerning the British Government’s present views with regard to revision of the treaties with China. (Footnote: Information that the same aide-mémoire was presented, mutatis mutandis, to the Belgian, French, Italian, Japanese, Netherlands, and Portuguese diplomatic representatives at Washington.) |
435 |
| Nov. 22 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the British Ambassador who stated his Government’s attitude toward treaty negotiations with China, in reply to which he was handed the Secretary’s aide-mémoire on the subject and was asked by the Secretary if he would put his statements into the form of a memorandum. |
436 |
| Nov. 22 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador in regard to the treaty situation in China during which the Secretary handed the Ambassador his aide-mémoire on the subject and informed him of the actions of the U. S. Government. |
437 |
| Nov. 22 | From the British Ambassador Aide-mémoire as requested by the Secretary (text printed) setting forth the British attitude that other questions should be postponed until the tariff question, which includes de jure recognition of the Nationalist Government, has been settled; and proposals for the waiver of treaty rights communicated by the then acting counselor of the British Legation in China to Mr. Eugene Chen at Hankow on January 27, 1927, and by the British Minister in China to Dr. Wellington Koo at Peking on January 28, 1927 (text printed). |
438 |
| Nov. 26 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the counselor of the Belgian Embassy who called to give information concerning the preliminary treaty signed at Nanking on November 22 between the Economic Union (Belgium-Luxemburg) and China. |
441 |
| Undated | From the Italian Embassy Opinion that the abolition of the extraterritorial rights should be accompanied by some guarantees and that this can be achieved more easily if the states parties to the Washington agreement exchange views and come to an understanding in advance. |
442 |
| Dec. 20 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation between the Secretary of State and the Dutch Minister who said that his Government felt that they should proceed with caution, that the powers should consult together, and that they should use the Report of the Commission on Extraterritoriality as a basis for any negotiations. |
442 |
| Dec. 25 | From the French Embassy French opinion that the extraterritorial guarantees should not be ended prematurely. |
443 |
| Dec. 26 | From the British Ambassador Statement that the views of the British Government are fully expressed in the Ambassador’s aide-mémoire of November 22. |
444 |
| Dec. 27 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the French Ambassador who left the Embassy’s memorandum dated December 25 and inquired as to the replies of other countries. |
444 |
| Dec. 29 | From the Japanese Embassy Information concerning Japan’s attitude in regard to the Chinese treaty situation, including the statement that the Japanese Government is prepared to enter into treaty negotiations if the Chinese Government do not insist upon repudiating the existing treaty and an expression of hope that, in lending assistance to China, the nations concerned will endeavor to prevent an entire disregard of past commitments. |
445 |
| Dec. 29 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador in which the Ambassador presented a copy of the aide-mémoire handed to the Secretary and proceeded to discuss it in detail; and in which the Assistant Secretary indicated certain reservations in regard to the matters concerning which the nations should take concerted action. |
446 |
Treaty Regulating Tariff Relations Between the United States and China, Signed July 25, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 June 23 (202) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authority to commence, at appropriate time, conversations with the Nationalist authorities with a view to revision of tariff provisions of treaties. Basis for discussions. Intention to give statement to press. Request for views. |
449 |
| June 30 (503) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inability to make any helpful suggestions because of apparent unwillingness of Nationalist authorities to make requisite overtures. Request for authority to postpone making of statement which Department requests. |
452 |
| July 7 (214) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for specific and detailed reply to certain parts of telegram No. 202, June 23; also for information regarding reported conference to be held at Nanking beginning July 20. instructions with respect to conference. |
453 |
| July 11 (218) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that the United States is obligated by statement of January 27, 1927, to proceed to negotiations with respect to tariff. Instructions that the first opportunity should be taken for opening discussions along lines of telegram 202, June 23. Proposed statement (text printed). Request for views. |
453 |
| July 11 | To President Coolidge Request for approval of program for negotiating tariff treaty with China. |
455 |
| July 12 | From President Coolidge Approval of program. |
456 |
| July 12 (529) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Detailed comments on the Department’s program for tariff negotiations. Opinion that an offer on the part of the United States would be highly inexpedient as well as untimely; that a public statement of U. S. intentions would be a mistake; that only the British and Japanese should be consulted, and in strictest confidence; and that the question of negotiations for revision of treaty provisions on extraterritoriality should be postponed. |
456 |
| July 13 (221) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Transmittal of note of July 11 from C. C. Wu, special representative of the Nationalist Government, and information of receipt of Chinese declaration of July 7. Desire that the Foreign Minister be informed of the Department’s receipt of Wu’s note and that the Minister has been authorized to open discussions along lines of telegram No. 202, June 23. Instructions to inform Department when communication has been made and also to notify colleagues. |
459 |
| July 13 (532) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Minister’s regret that he finds himself not in accord with Department’s suggestion. Belief that the contemplated public announcement would tend to defeat the purpose for which it was made. |
460 |
| July 13 (223) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Reasons for Department’s desire that reply to Wu’s note indicate U. S. willingness to take up negotiations of tariff treaty. |
460 |
| July 17 (546) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a note has been prepared subject to Department’s approval. Suggestion that the release of the note’s text might well be the equivalent of a public statement. Comments in regard to the attitude the Foreign Minister may be expected to take. |
462 |
| July 17 (547) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Draft note for Foreign Minister (text printed). |
463 |
| July 20 (230) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Reasons why Department desires to act immediately. Draft note for the Foreign Minister (text printed). Information that all previous proposals regarding statements are superseded and canceled. Instructions with regard to delivery of the note July 25 to the Foreign Minister and colleagues and arrangements for publication. |
464 |
| July 20 (555) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information of interview with T. V. Soong, the Finance Minister, who is prepared to negotiate a tariff treaty before he returns to Nanking July 26; Soong’s approval, as basis of discussion, of draft treaty discussed last year at Department, except for reservation in regard to optional clause. Assumption that the Department will grant full authority to proceed. |
467 |
| July 21 (233) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions that the note be delivered at once to Soong and Wang and that the Department be notified so that it may be released; also that Soong be informed, when handed the note, that the Minister has the authority to proceed. Substance of main stipulations of the treaty (text printed). |
468 |
| July 21 (556) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Agreement reached with Soong on main stipulations of treaty (text printed). |
469 |
| July 22 (559) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Intentions to carry out instructions with regard to note, although the final paragraph might well be modified, in the light of the new development, and communication of the note to colleagues might be delayed until the signing of the treaty. Recommendations with respect to these suggestions. |
470 |
| July 23 (235) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of main stipulations of the treaty. Views with respect to optional clause and likin. Instructions with respect to procedure and the proposed note. |
472 |
| July 24 (566) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the note is being sent to Wang that night together with information as to its release; that Soong has received authorization which makes it possible to conclude the treaty on July 25; that Soong has decided against inclusion of optional clause and likin; and that Soong requests that the treaty be withheld from publication until noon August 1. |
473 |
| July 124 (239) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information concerning arrangements for release of the note on July 26 and its delivery, in confidence, to the 12 interested powers on July 25. |
474 |
| July 25 | To President Coolidge Transmittal of main stipulations of the treaty and text of full powers for negotiating and signing the treaty, with request that approval be telegraphed. |
474 |
| July 25 | Treaty Between the United States of America and the
Republic of China Regulating tariff relations between the two countries. |
475 |
| July 25 (569) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information of the signature of the treaty that afternoon: that Soong acted under authorization of a letter from the Vice Foreign Minister, July 24 (text printed), and has undertaken to obtain from Wang formal credentials for purposes of record; that it has been agreed to make the treaty public at midnight of the 26th; and that the notes which were exchanged regarding likin are to be considered non avenu at Soong’s request. |
477 |
| July 26 (240) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that publication of treaty be held up until about August 1. |
478 |
| July 26 (241) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Expression of appreciation and congratulations upon successful negotiation of treaty. |
478 |
| July 26 | From the Secretary to the President (tel.) Information that the President has approved and signed the full powers. |
478 |
| July 27 (574) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that it was too late to change arrangements for publication and that fact of signature of treaty has leaked out. |
478 |
| July 27 (245) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that full powers have been issued; and that announcement will be made of signature and text of treaty. |
479 |
| July 28 (1592) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of treaty texts; and details of the negotiations. |
479 |
| July 30 (582) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note from Foreign Minister (text printed) replying to U. S. note and containing a statement that C. C. Wu has been appointed as plenipotentiary delegate to negotiate with the representatives of the U. S. Government. |
482 |
| July 30 (584) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note to the Foreign Minister (text printed) explaining that the conclusion of the treaty fulfilled what had been offered in the note of the Secretary of State and pointing out that such negotiations as the U. S. Government had in contemplation have already been satisfactorily concluded. |
482 |
| July 30 (250) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that last sentence of note be deleted. |
483 |
| July 30 (251) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform Department what date the Foreign Minister’s note bears; whether Foreign Minister has been informed of conclusion of treaty. Inability to understand passage in note with reference to Wu’s appointment. |
483 |
| July 31 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with Japanese Chargé in which the Assistant Secretary explained the rapidity with which the treaty had been negotiated. |
484 |
| July 31 (252) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Regret that the Minister regarded it necessary to deliver his note without consulting the Secretary of State. |
484 |
| July 31 (588) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the translation of the Foreign Minister’s note was communicated by telegram July 29; that the Chinese version is dated July 28. View that there is no reasonable doubt that when the Foreign Minister wrote his note he had full knowledge of the conclusion of the treaty three days earlier. |
485 |
| Aug. 1 (258) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Full powers, dated July 21 (text printed). |
486 |
| Aug. 2 (594) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Document from the Foreign Minister (text printed) certifying that Soong has been authorized to sign on behalf of the Nationalist Government. Inquiry whether this document is sufficient or whether more formal credentials should be requested. |
486 |
| Aug. 6 (261) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that a more formal document expressive of Soong’s full powers should be supplied. |
487 |
| Oct. 15 (1703) | From the Minister in China Full powers, dated July 23 (text printed), appointing Soong as delegate plenipotentiary to conclude and sign the treaty. |
487 |
| Oct. 23 (790) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Personal letter from Soong (excerpt printed) stating that China will announce its ratification as soon as word has been received of U. S. ratification, but suggesting that immediate ratification by China might be desirous. Opinion that it would be advisable to have treaty ratified on the part of the Nationalist Government as early as possible. |
489 |
| Oct. 26 (358) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instruction to propose to Soong that ratification by his Government be expedited and to assure him that early ratification by the United States may be anticipated though it cannot be absolutely guaranteed. |
489 |
| Dec. 1 (851) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt of advice from Soong on November 28 that the Political Council passed a resolution to confirm the treaty and had asked the State Council officially to confirm the treaty. |
490 |
| Dec. 1 | To President Coolidge Transmittal of the treaty with request that it be transmitted to the Senate to receive the advice and consent of that body to its ratification. |
490 |
Proposed Treaty of Arbitration Between the United States and China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Dec. 21 | To the Chinese Minister Transmittal, for consideration and as a basis for negotiation, of a draft treaty of arbitration. |
492 |
| Dec. 29 | From the Chinese Minister Acknowledgment of receipt of note of December 21 and its enclosed draft. Information that the provisions are being brought to his Government’s attention. |
493 |
Efforts of the United States To Meet Situation Created by Imposition in China of Taxes in Conflict With Treaty Provisions
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 9 (13) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 6: Report that a 50 percent ad valorem tax on cigarettes became effective on January 5. Request for instructions whether to lodge a protest. Information that the consul general at Hankow has been authorized to lodge a protest. |
494 |
| Jan. 10 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Tientsin Authorization to make a local protest, either singly or jointly with consular colleagues, if and when imposition of consumption tax on luxuries again appears likely. |
494 |
| Jan. 11 (21) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 5: Report that the private agreement between the Standard Oil Company and the Nationalist authorities, December 12, 1927, for payment of special tax of 60 cents per unit of oil, is not being recognized. |
495 |
| Jan. 12 (1347) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of letter from the American Chamber of Commerce at Shanghai embodying a resolution of the Chamber’s board of directors protesting against all illegal taxes imposed or to be imposed on U. S. business in China and requesting that U. S. consular officers be authorized to accept lawful import duties and from proceeds to reimburse U. S. citizens and firms for illegal impositions. Opinion that the dangers of such a course far outweigh any practical advantages to be gained from it. Request for instructions. |
495 |
| Jan. 16 (32) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 14: Report that tobacco companies have been approached with a view to a compromise arrangement on the 50 percent tax; that Bassett on behalf of British-American Tobacco Company is negotiating with Nanking authorities at Shanghai for a special agreement for payment of 22½ percent on cigarettes. |
496 |
| Jan. 20 (00548) | From the Legation in China to the Chinese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs Request that the intention to put the luxury and special articles tax into effect be abandoned. |
496 |
| Jan. 21 (45) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 19: Report that Bassett has been successful in his negotiations and a contract has been signed for payment of 22½ percent; probability that other companies will arrange compromise on 22½ percent. |
497 |
| Jan. 26 (51) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, January 17, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Reports that there have been instituted a stamp tax on duty memos and a stamp tax on bills of lading. To Shanghai, January 23: Authorization to protest to the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and request the cancellation of both requirements. From Shanghai, January 23: Receipt of a letter from the American Chamber of Commerce stating it has no objection to this method of raising revenue provided the taxes are legal and not discriminatory. |
497 |
| Feb. 6 (72) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, February 5: Receipt of new regulations promulgated January 18 to implement the agreement concluded that date between the British-American Tobacco Company. Information that the consul general at Shanghai is not being instructed to lodge a protest until a copy of the regulations is ready and it can be ascertained whether they involve discriminatory features. |
499 |
| Feb. 24 (121) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Swatow, February 7 and 19: Reports on the levying of a 5 percent luxury tax on imports and Standard Oil Company’s inquiry whether they may deposit with consul general their regular taxes in the event that the matter cannot be adjusted, which proposal the consul general considers impractical. To Swatow, February 14 and 23: Authorization to protest against the tax and concurrence with views on Standard Oil Company’s request. |
499 |
| Mar. 7 (802) | To the Minister in China Concurrence in opinion that it would be unwise and impractical to accede to requests of American Chamber of Commerce; and instructions to have the consul general at Shanghai inform the Chamber of Commerce to this effect. |
501 |
| Apr. 17 (124) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to present status of the proposed one-half of one percent surtax on imports and exports for famine relief. |
501 |
| Apr. 25 (267) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the British and Portuguese, as well as the Japanese, have not yet replied to the proposal for a one-half of one percent surtax. |
501 |
| Apr. 30 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Information that customs duty and dues collected by the consul general have been accepted by and paid to the Commissioner of Customs who agreed to accord importers the usual privileges with respect to extension fees, drawbacks, and transit passes. |
502 |
| May 5 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Tientsin Approval of intention to decline to recognize the retroactive imposition of the 6 percent building tax on U. S. mission property. |
502 |
| May 18 | From the Minister in China to the Consul at
Swatow Suggestion that the consul return to the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, as being couched in improper language, the Commissioner’s reply to the consul’s protest against the 20 percent surtax. Approval of recommendation that the consulate be permitted to refrain from making any protest unless the tax is discriminatory against U. S. interests. |
503 |
| May 25 (392) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsingtao: Report that Chinese authorities have been notified that on and after May 23 Japanese subjects would no longer pay illegal taxes imposed in Shantung; that the consulate has notified the Chinese authorities that the imposition of these taxes on Americans while not fully imposed on other nationals would be regarded as discrimination and that Americans are being advised to refrain from paying as long as others do not. |
503 |
| May 29 (173) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that action of consul at Tsingtao is technically correct but inopportunely timed. Instructions to caution consular officers at Shantung, Tientsin, and Manchuria against taking advantage of opportunities for benefit created by and based upon the presence and use of armed forces of other foreign countries. |
504 |
| June 26 (494) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, June 21: Finance Ministry regulations published June 16 calling for special tax of 5 cents per sack on Chinese and imported flour. Request for instructions. Suggestion that authorization be given to protest as a matter of record. |
504 |
| June 28 (206) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization for protest but only if based on official information showing collection of tax on U. S. imported flour in open ports or in transit under exemption certificates or transit pass, or that the tax is discriminatory. Instructions to investigate the report that authorities at Canton are threatening to impose a 7½ percent ad valorem duty on four imports and to protest to Nationalist higher authorities if treaty provisions are being violated. |
504 |
| July 3 (506) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 1 and 2: Reports that the Canton regime is preparing to levy a 5 percent ad valorem tax on imports of foreign flour and that the consul is protesting vigorously; also that Commissioner of Foreign Affairs is sending a strong protest to the Political Council. From Shanghai, June 29: Report that, effective July 1, there will be a special tax of 5 percent on all machine-made flour. |
505 |
| July 7 (521) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 5 and 6: Suggestion that a protest be made against flour tax which is deemed an infringement of the treaties; report that flour tax is to be reduced from 7½ percent to 2½ percent. To Canton, July 7: Opinion that a further protest is not advisable unless the Department specifically authorizes it. |
506 |
| July 18 (548) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 13: Intimation from Commissioner of Foreign Affairs that regulations taxing foreign flour may be promulgated soon and suggestion that a proposed basis from the American Minister might be useful. Proposed reply to Canton that it is obviously impossible to fall in with the Commissioner’s suggestion if the proposed basis means the Legation’s compounding with Canton concerning violation of U. S. treaty rights. |
506 |
| July 21 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Hankow Approval of suggestion that Commissioner of Foreign Affairs be informed that tax upon the Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company’s place of business cannot be considered as applicable to U. S. firms until agreement of U. S. authorities to it is obtained. |
507 |
| July 23 (234) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of suggestions in telegram No. 548, July 18. Inquiry as to present situation with regard to the tax proposed at Shanghai. |
507 |
| Aug. 3 (597) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, August 1: Report that flour-tax regulations have been issued; that machinery of customs is used indirectly to enforce the tax; that the British and French have protested and the consul general will file a protest. |
508 |
| Aug. 6 (948) | To the Minister in China Instructions to give further consideration to the matter of protesting against the 20 percent surtax at Swatow for relief measures, in view of Department’s receipt of a letter from a U. S. firm asking that a protest be made against this tax. |
508 |
| Aug. 8 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Shanghai Authorization to enter protest against surtax on imported coal imposed at Shanghai. |
509 |
| Aug. 22 | From the Chargé in China to the Consul General at
Shanghai Concurrence in view regarding violation by the Finance Ministry of its agreement with the Standard Oil Company regarding kerosene oil and gasoline; and authorization to extend good offices in endeavoring to have carried out the provisions of such private agreements. |
509 |
| Aug. 25 (658) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai: Report that an unsuccessful attempt was made to hold up cotton belonging to a U. S. firm for the collection of an additional surtax; that a protest has been made against the attempted seizure. Request for authorization to protest against the tax on the ground that it is in addition to the usual duty and the Washington surtax. To Shanghai: Approval of protest but on the ground that it is contrary to existing treaty. |
510 |
| Sept. 10 (1662) | From the Chargé in China Intention to make no protest against the 20 percent surtax at Swatow for relief measures unless definite instructions to the contrary are received from the Department. |
510 |
| Sept. 19 (716) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that Admiral Bristol in general conversation mentioned the taxation agreement between the Standard Oil Company and Generals Yang Sen and Lin Hsiang. Request for instructions on the subject. |
511 |
| Sept. 20 (323) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s views regarding use of naval forces in preventing taxation and regarding private taxation arrangements between local military leaders in China and private American citizens or firms. |
511 |
| Sept. 23 (724) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that Admiral Bristol has been made acquainted with the Department’s views set forth in telegram No. 323, September 20. |
513 |
| Sept. 25 (327) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instruction to telegraph whether flour tax at Canton is actually in force; also whether consul general at Shanghai protested against flour tax at Shanghai and result, if any, of protest. |
514 |
| Oct. 3 (743) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Canton flour tax has been in force since August; that the consul general at Shanghai has received, in reply to his protest, a note from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs explaining the purpose of the tax (text printed). |
514 |
| Oct. 17 (783) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Swatow, October 16: Request for instructions whether to protest against refusal of local likin authorities to recognize invoice transit certificates covering U. S. goods although they pass British cargo without molestation. To Swatow: Authorization to file protest as action of local authorities appears to be discriminatory. |
515 |
| Oct. 19 (785) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, October 18: Report on seizure of two Standard Oil Company lighters and their cargoes by tax collectors; recommendation that gunboat Guam be sent alongside. To Canton: Concurrence with opinion it would be advisable to have naval vessel stand by to prevent removal of lighters or their cargo. |
515 |
| Oct. 22 (786) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Swatow, October 19: Report that local likin authorities are now recognizing inward transit certificates and that no further action should be taken. |
516 |
| Oct. 26 (794) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from the commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet to the U. S. S. Sacramento (text printed) directing that aid be given to consul general and Standard Oil Company as far as possible without resorting to force, which might result in an armed clash. |
516 |
| Oct. 26 (360) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform consul general that the Secretary does not regard as desirable any use of force; that the gunboat may remain if she is already alongside; but the consul and naval commander should exercise utmost circumspection. Information that force should be used only for protection of U. S. lives or to prevent outrage to flag or to vessels properly flying it. |
517 |
| Oct. 30 (802) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton: Information that the gunboat has not gone alongside; view that action of Chinese was an outrage to our flag. |
517 |
| Nov. 7 (817) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, November 5 and 6: Request for instructions to present a strong note demanding the release of the lighters and further reference to the seriousness of the affair. To Canton: Authorization to present strong protest. |
518 |
| Nov. 8 (373) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of instructions to the consul general at Canton. |
518 |
| Nov. 11 (823) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, November 8, 9, and 10: Reports on Finance Department’s decision to fine Standard Oil Company $26,000 and confiscate the cargoes, and consul general’s formal protest on ground that the proceedings were illegal and in violation of treaty rights. Recommendations. |
519 |
| Nov. 13 (828) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note of protest to the Nationalist Foreign Minister (text printed). |
521 |
| Nov. 15 (384) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of note of protest. Instructions to inform consuls general at Shanghai and Canton that they may say the Department is watching this and other cases closely and is unfavorably impressed by accumulative evidence of indifference to treaty rights and processes and requirements of municipal and international law. |
522 |
| Nov. 16 (833) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Shanghai and Canton have been instructed in accordance with telegram No. 384, November 15. Inquiry whether the Department approves suggested representations by consul general at Canton and cooperation of naval authorities there. |
522 |
| Nov. 17 (387) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization for consul general at Canton to convey to local authorities any message or protest the company may wish to make in regard to threatened seizure of their property. Authorization to direct such further representations as may be considered expedient without involving use of force or threat of force. |
522 |
| Nov. 19 (1041) | To the Minister in China Department’s reasons for adhering to the opinion that the Legation and U. S. consular officers should avoid making tax agreements entered into by U. S. companies with Chinese authorities the basis of protests against taxes or other imposition. |
523 |
| Nov. 23 | From the Minister in China to the Consul in Charge
at Hankow Approval of action in refusing to assist the Texas Oil Company in negotiation of a tax agreement with Generals Lin Hsiang and Yang Sen similar to that obtained by the Standard Oil Company. |
526 |
| Dec. 3 (854) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, December 1: Report that authorities before releasing the lighters are demanding adequate money guarantee by Standard Oil Company or official statement from consul general that the company will comply with final decision in the case; consul general’s inclination not to give the guarantee but to reply in a formal note to the Foreign Office that the consulate general will be prepared to deal in the usual course with any demands that may be received from the local government in the case. To Canton, December 3: Approval of proposed reply to the Foreign Office. |
526 |
| Dec. 12 (870) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, December 12: Report that lighters have been released on consul general’s written assurances. |
527 |
| Dec. 15 (880) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, December 13: Report that the Standard Oil Company has been approached by the Finance Minister with the proposal that the present tax arrangement be redrawn; that the company is not disposed to consider the proposal favorably and would greatly appreciate comments and advices. To Shanghai: Instructions to inform the company that the making of such private agreements is a matter concerning which the Legation cannot undertake to give advice. |
527 |
| Dec. 21 (416) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of reply to consul general at Shanghai. |
528 |
| Dec. 21 (417) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instruction to inform consul general at Canton that the Department is gratified at his successful efforts in obtaining release of the lighters. |
529 |
Arrangement for Payment by American Citizens and Firms of Voluntary Contributions in Lieu of Taxes to the Harbin Municipality
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 3 (33) | To the Minister in China (tel.) From Harbin, January 30: Inquiry whether contributions in lieu of taxes should be made by Americans through the consulate or direct to the municipal authorities. To Harbin, January 30: Department’s desire that payments through the consulate should be discontinued, but that the consulate should offer advice to U. S. citizens as set forth in instructions of June 2, 1927, and should use all means to ensure for U. S. interests equitable treatment and extraterritorial immunities; view that it would be inadvisable at this time to raise question of participation of U. S. citizens in municipal government or to enter into any commitment with Chinese as to the principle involved in their taxation. |
529 |
| Nov. 19 (1070) | To the Minister in China Concurrence in opinion held by Minister and consul at Harbin that it is inadvisable to take any steps having as their object the participation by U. S. citizens in the meetings of the Assembly of Delegates or the Municipal Council. Belief that suggested arrangement for Japanese representative on the Municipal Council to represent all extraterritorial foreigners, would be inexpedient insofar as citizens of the United States are concerned. |
530 |
Protests by the United States Against Proposed Chinese Financial Measures Diverting Revenues From Payment of American Loans in Default
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Aug. 15 (1614) | From the Chargé in China Chargé’s memorandum, August 13 (text printed) of a conversation with the officiating Inspector General of Customs in China concerning the plan of T. V. Soong to float a domestic loan of some forty million dollars to be secured on the proceeds of the canceled German Boxer indemnity. Recommendation that the Chargé be authorized to protest in the event that the proposed loan is decided upon by the Nationalist Government. |
531 |
| Oct. 9 (343) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization, either singly or jointly with interested colleagues, to file a general notification of outstanding Chinese obligations to U. S. citizens in general accord with joint representations made on March 18, 1926. |
532 |
| Oct. 15 (772) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation that the note be sent independently of any action of colleagues and that it be limited to a general reservation of U. S. rights and of continuity of governmental responsibility (text printed). |
532 |
| Oct. 16 (351) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of proposed note. |
533 |
| Oct. 25 (792) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information of negotiations between Yada, the Japanese consul general at Shanghai, and T. V. Soong in regard to obtaining Japan’s approval of levying of interim surtaxes; Yada’s insistence that Soong should set aside some definite revenue, such as customs surtaxes, for service of the Nishihara loans. |
533 |
| Nov. 1 (366) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s doubt whether statement authorized in telegram No. 351, October 16, will sufficiently safeguard U. S. interest if there is likelihood that the Nationalist Government may perpetuate the policy of hypothecating specific revenues for the payment of specially designated obligations. Requests for recommendations regarding action which might advantageously be taken on behalf of the general body of U. S. creditors. |
534 |
| Nov. 8 (818) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that it would be inadvisable to approach the Nationalist Government at this juncture as to its attitude toward payment of whole body of U. S. obligations. Proposed note (text printed) reinforcing by more specific statement of U. S. attitude the terms of the note to the Foreign Minister. |
534 |
| Nov. 15 (385) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Department is considering the proposed text of the note. Instructions to take no action until further instructed. |
536 |
| Dec. 12 (871) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Foreign Minister’s reply, December 4 (text printed). Report that the Chinese Government has agreed to recognize the Nishihara loans and to provide for their liquidation; that the unsecured debts of other nationalities will have to receive consideration similar to that accorded to the Japanese. Request for instructions. |
536 |
| Dec. 19 (414) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Note for the Foreign Office (text printed) requesting assurance that any policy adopted by the Nationalist Government in relation to obligations due to foreign creditors will not either in principle or practice result in any discrimination against interests of U. S. creditors. |
537 |
Arrangements for the Continued Payment of the Boxer Indemnity Remissions for Chinese Educational Purposes
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 June 11 (453) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that, pending indications of some Chinese governmental organ having authority to handle and account for the May installment of the indemnity remission, the Minister is holding the customs check for this fund. |
538 |
| June 15 (190) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s apprehension lest the withholding of remissions involve the Tsing Hua College and the Educational Mission in the United States in financial difficulties. Request for recommendations in regard to interim procedure. Possibility of constituting China Foundation the administrator of these funds. |
538 |
| June 19 (476) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Endorsement of suggestion made by board of directors of Tsing Hua College to the Foreign Minister that the American Minister be requested to pay over to the acting president, as an emergency measure, the amount of the June remission to be used subject to the board’s approval. Belief that it will be necessary to amend the Executive order of December 28, 1928. |
539 |
| June 23 (201) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to hand to Stewart Yui, the acting president of the college, as an emergency measure, the monthly remittance payments. Assumption that an officer of the Legation is a member of the board of directors. Opinion that it will not be necessary to amend the Executive order. |
540 |
| June 26 (496) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt of a garbled telegram from the Foreign Minister apparently suggesting that the June installment be handed over to Mei Yi-chi, whom the Minister understands has been appointed by the Nanking authorities in place of Stewart Yui as acting president of the college. Information that his reply requests clarification and inquires whether the Foreign Minister will direct that the installment will be expended in the established manner. Request for instructions. |
541 |
| June 29 (209) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of reply to the Foreign Minister. View that, before making payment, the Minister should receive a written request from the Foreign Minister designating Mei as payee and subsequently a receipt from Mei. |
541 |
| July 16 (539) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Letter from the Foreign Minister (text printed) confirming his telegram and stating that explicit instructions as to its expenditure have already been given. Information of similar arrangements for the May installment. |
542 |
| Aug. 1 | From the American Minister in China to the Vice
Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Chinese Nationalist
Government View, in reply to the Foreign Minister’s inquiry, that it is not within the competence of the American Minister to approve or disapprove the decision of the Nationalist Government to abolish the present board of directors of the Tsing Hua College and to substitute a board or commission to be named by the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Education. |
542 |
| Aug. 5 (602) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report, from private sources, that the Nationalist Government has decided to change the constitution and personnel of the China Foundation. Suggestion that the good offices of Dr. Sze and Dr. Wu be sought to avert action which would compel the United States to take the disagreeable alternative of discontinuing the 1925 remissions until the status of the Foundation is restored. |
543 |
| Aug. 14 (627) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Receipt of telegram from the Foreign Minister announcing that Lo Chia-lun will be appointed as president of Tsing Hua College and Mei Yi-chi as director of students in the United States. Information that the telegram was merely acknowledged. |
545 |
| Aug. 21 (279) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions to explain circumstances of press report that the Minister declined to serve on the board of directors of the Tsing Hua College. |
545 |
| Aug. 24 (654) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Explanation of his action in declining to serve on the board of directors. |
545 |
| Sept. 7 (694) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Receipt by Bennett, the American treasurer of the Foundation, and Greene, the American member of the board, of similar letters from the National Educational Council containing certificates of appointees to the board of directors of the Foundation. Request for instructions with respect to the monthly remittance just received. |
546 |
| Sept. 11 (700) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for authorization for payment to Lo Chia-lun, whose early arrival and assumption of office as president of Tsing Hua College is expected, of the August remission check as soon as written notice from Foreign Minister of his appointment and request for such payment has been received; also for authorization for payment of subsequent checks in same manner. |
547 |
| Sept. 21 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister during which a memorandum was handed to the Minister (text printed) setting forth the legal difficulties arising from material alterations in the constitution of the China Foundation. |
548 |
| Sept. 22 (324) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of requests. Instructions, however, to inform the Foreign Minister that this is an emergency measure pending formal arrangement. |
548 |
| Sept. 29 | To the Secretary of the Treasury Inquiry whether the Treasury Department desires that the American Minister be instructed to remit future installments to the joint treasurers of the China Foundation and accept receipts signed by them on behalf of the reconstituted board of trustees or whether it considers that payment may legally be made only to the board of trustees appointed in accordance with the constitution. |
549 |
| Sept. 29 (329) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s hope that the Nationalist Government may be persuaded to revise its action in a manner to avert an issue; expectation that Dr. Monroe of Columbia University will go to China to consult the Nationalist Government. |
551 |
| Oct. 3 (744) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a written request has been received from the Foreign Minister (text printed) and that the August remission has been paid over to Lo Chia-lun; also that the September check will be similarly disposed of, unless the Department directs otherwise. Proposed reply to the Foreign Minister (text printed). |
551 |
| Oct. 12 (769) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the September installment has been paid over to Lo Chia-lun. |
552 |
| Oct. 15 (350) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of procedure for August and September installments; also of proposed reply to the Foreign Minister, on the understanding that essential features of the Treasury arrangement shall be fully safeguarded. |
552 |
| Nov. 12 (1035) | To the Minister in China Information concerning interview November 1 with Dr. Monroe, who intends to leave for China about the middle of November. |
552 |
| Nov. 20 (388) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt by Monroe of cable from Greene advising Monroe not to start. Instructions to inform the Department what is the difficulty and whether Monroe should be advised to proceed as planned. |
553 |
| Nov. 21 (838) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that interested Chinese have been working with a view to getting an arrangement that would preserve the legal continuity of the board and that Monroe’s coming might force the issue at an unfavorable moment. |
554 |
| Dec. 11 (408) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Letter from the Treasury Department (excerpts printed) expressing opinion that, since arrangements for remission were made on a basis of mutual understanding, no change should be made therein without the consent of both parties; and the belief that further remissions should not be made except in accordance with the procedure heretofore established or an appropriate modification of Executive order of July 16, 1925. |
554 |
| Dec. 13 (874) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information from Greene and Bennett that the matter is in a fair way of settlement; that a call will be issued for all old members of the board to meet January 4 and 5 at Hankow when the unacceptable members will resign and others will be elected, and a resolution will be adopted making recommendations to the Nationalist Government. |
555 |
Continued Negotiations Concerning the Federal Telegraph Company’s Contract With the Chinese Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 3 (1) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of interview with A. H. Ginman, deputy general manager of the British Marconi Company, in which Ginman suggested an informal conference on wireless matters between the American, British, and Japanese Ministers. |
555 |
| Jan. 9 (17) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs addressed to consulate at Shanghai (text printed) declaring that the Nationalist Government will in no way be bound by agreements entered into by the Peking Government with the Japanese Mitsui Company and with the American Federal Corporation. Purpose, unless otherwise instructed, to concert with Japanese colleague in a reply to the effect that the Nanking authorities are not competent to invalidate contracts made with the duly recognized Government of China. |
557 |
| Jan. 9 (7) | To the Minister in China (tel.) View that it would be unwise to take concerted action with Japanese vis-à-vis the announcement of the so-called Nationalist authorities at Shanghai; that action should be directed solely to the question of the wireless contract. |
558 |
| Jan. 12 | To the British Ambassador Reasons why the U. S. Government is not prepared to endorse the formation of a wireless consortium on the part of the powers concerned in the manner suggested in the Japanese memorandum of December 24, 1924. |
558 |
| Jan. 13 (27) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Chinese are pressing Ginman for action. Suggestion that a decision be expedited. |
560 |
| Jan. 16 (19) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Transmittal of excerpt from note to British Ambassador, January 12, setting forth the Department’s position with respect to a consortium. Information that the Department perceives no reason for an informal conference as requested by Ginman. |
560 |
| Jan. 19 | From the Minister in China to the Ambassador in
Japan Surmise that the controlling groups in Peking and Nanking are alike anxious to throw over all commitments to U. S. and Japanese interests and to shop around for small, cheap shortwave stations so as to be in a position to dicker among rival groups; that to this end they are trying to create an antagonistic public sentiment. |
561 |
| Mar. 26 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador who was informed that advices received from the Radio Corporation seemed to indicate that the corporation was not prepared to accept Mr. Debuchi’s memorandum of November 1927 as a basis for discussion. |
562 |
| Apr. 10 | To the President of the Radio Corporation of
America Information of a conversation on April 4 with the Japanese Ambassador who stated that the Japanese Government could take part in a conference only on the basis of Debuchi’s memorandum and made known his desire to know the attitude of the Radio Corporation toward Debuchi’s proposal. |
564 |
| Apr. 25 | From the President of the Radio Corporation of
America Inability to find in Debuchi’s memorandum any acceptable basis for undertaking negotiations. |
566 |
| May 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador during which he was informed of the Radio Corporation’s reply. |
568 |
Attitude of the United States Toward Enforcement of Chinese School Regulations Against American Missionary Schools
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 July 26 (600) | To the Minister in China Instructions concerning the attitude to be assumed by the Legation and consular officers in case attempts are made to enforce the recent regulations governing private schools or similar regulations on schools conducted by U. S. missionary and educational societies. |
569 |
| 1928 May 23 (871) | To the Minister in China Further instructions for Minister’s guidance and for transmission of pertinent portions to U. S. consuls for their guidance. |
570 |
| Nov. 8 (1742) | From the Minister in China Despatch from consul general at Shanghai October 27 enclosing his letter to the president of the University of China (texts printed) stating that if the University desires to file a protest against registration requirements and requests assistance, a protest will be filed. |
573 |
Reservation of American Rights With Respect to Chinese Regulations Affecting Foreign Missionary Property
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Aug. 2 (591) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Comments on property regulations (text printed) received from the Nationalist authorities. Suggestion that the Legation be authorized to inform the Nationalist Government that it is unable to recognize regulations as applicable to U. S. institutions and nationals insofar as they either contravene treaty rights or imply a right to confiscate legitimate U. S. interests. |
576 |
| Aug. 7 (263) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Concurrence in general in Minister’s comments. Approval of suggestion. |
578 |
| Nov. 8 (1740) | From the Minister in China Note from the Foreign Minister, October 30 (text printed) which contains vague assurances that the regulations will not adversely affect U. S. missionary interests and that consequently the Legation need have no apprehensions. |
578 |
| Nov. 27 | From the Minister in China to the Consul at
Tsinan View that it is inadvisable at this time to take the consul’s suggested action either as regards the sending of a list of U. S. property or of notifying U. S. missionaries along lines suggested by the consul. |
580 |
Dual Nationality of United States Citizens of Chinese Descent
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 6 (680) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Despatch from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Canton, March 24 enclosing provisional regulations governing issuance of certificates of expatriation in Kwangtung and Kwangsi Provinces (texts printed). |
581 |
| May 18 (5502) | From the Consul General at Shanghai to the Minister
in China Despatch from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Shanghai, December 31, 1927 (text printed) embodying a communication from the Shanghai Provisional Court in regard to the question of jurisdiction over persons having dual nationality; and the consul general’s reply, May 12 (text printed). |
582 |
| May 22 | To the Consul General at
Canton Instructions that when persons of dual nationality apply for registration or passports they should be encouraged to submit the certificate of expatriation referred to in the provisional regulations but it should not be made a condition for registration or for a passport. |
586 |
| Aug. 31 (973) | To the Minister in China Transmittal of instruction of May 22 to the consul general at Canton, with instructions to transmit a copy of it to the consul general at Shanghai. |
586 |
COLOMBIA
Protection of Interests of American Oil Companies in Colombia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 13 (7) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to report concerning decree No. 150 of January 28 regulating the petroleum law of 1927, which appears to impose extremely burdensome conditions on American oil companies; authorization for informal discussions with Colombian authorities. |
588 |
| Feb. 14 (10) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that oil companies will institute proceedings before the Council of State to have the decree declared void, and that the Minister feels it inadvisable for him to do anything for the present. |
588 |
| Feb. 18 (9) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Opinion that it would be highly advisable for the Minister to discuss the whole subject personally and confidentially with the President, pointing out that the regulations may have a serious effect on American companies and the Colombian oil industry in general, and stating that the Department is giving the matter very close consideration. |
589 |
| Feb. 20 (12) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Opinion that discussion with the President and Foreign Minister may accomplish much; suggestion that a strong cable from the Colombian Minister to his Government would be helpful. |
591 |
| Feb. 21 (10) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Advice that, as the Colombian Minister is away and will not return until March 1, the interview with the President should not be delayed. |
591 |
| Feb. 22 (14) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that the Minister has conferred with the President and Foreign Minister, who intimated their desire for a statement of points contained in Department’s telegram No. 9 of February 18; inquiry as to any objection. |
592 |
| Feb. 23 (11) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Nonobjection to furnishing of informal memorandum. |
592 |
| Feb. 24 (16) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that lawyers are trying to avoid litigation and wish decree suspended until Congress meets and passes law to replace present law No. 84. |
592 |
| May 15 (29) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Press reports of instructions issued to authorities by Minister of Industry directing the execution of certain provisions of the petroleum decree. |
593 |
| May 17 (31) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Report that instructions to enforce the decree are apparently being carried out, that three petitions for suspension of the decree have been denied by individual members of the Council of State, and that the Minister has requested an interview with the President to renew request for suspension of the decree. |
593 |
| May 17 (22) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Memorandum for the President urging suspension of measures until their constitutionality can be determined (text printed); instructions to supplement the memorandum with vigorous oral representations. |
594 |
| May 19 (32) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) The President’s decision to suspend action until final decision of the Supreme Court and his preference for suspension on petition of interested company. Information that the President accordingly returned the Minister’s memorandum. |
594 |
| May 23 (33) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information from the Foreign Minister that the President will study the Minister of Industry’s report on the decree and advise decision the following day. |
595 |
| May 25 (24) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to return the memorandum, if the President has not carried out his assurance that decree will be suspended. |
595 |
| May 26 (36) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that the memorandum has been returned to the President, and that he is studying the Minister of Industry’s views and will issue an order in a few days. |
595 |
| June 2 (40) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Suspension of decree on June 1, pending determination of constitutionality; information that law 84 is still in effect and that documents showing ownership of lands must still be presented. |
596 |
| Aug. 24 (79) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Understanding that the House of Representatives’ committee is studying American petroleum laws and is attempting to discover a basis on which Andian and Tropical concessions could be declared forfeit. |
596 |
| Sept. 19 (96) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Summary of pro memoria of Minister of Industry, September 18, attacking Tropical Oil, Andian Pipe Line, and United Fruit Companies. |
596 |
| Sept. 28 (110) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Approval by Senate committee of article of petroleum bill relating to authority for expropriation of oil properties. |
597 |
| Oct. 1 (116) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Recommendation in Senate committee report for passage of bill to declare the De Mares concession and its transfer to Tropical Oil Co. null and void (text printed). |
597 |
| Oct. 1 (117) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Information that Senate report evoked heated debate in the House, and that action will be postponed until report of minority member is presented. |
598 |
| Oct. 2 (118) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Summary of committee report. |
599 |
| Oct. 3 (119) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Recommendation of minority member for bill ordering Attorney General to proceed before September courts and stipulating bases for new contract with Tropical Co., which if accepted would result in nonprosecution of the suit. |
600 |
| Oct. 4 (120) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Absence of any definite action by the House on either majority or minority report. |
601 |
| Oct. 5 (121) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Evidences of unfavorable public reaction to attacks on Tropical concession. |
601 |
| Oct. 6 (122) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Indication that chances of passage of bills are diminishing. |
602 |
| Oct. 18 (130) | From the Chargé in Colombia (tel.) Intimation by Minister of Industry to Tropical Oil Co. representative that nothing more would be heard of committee reports if company would accept his interpretation of contract as it concerns the Government’s royalty rights; the company’s opinion that this action is admission of defeat of attempt to cancel the concession. |
602 |
| Dec. 16 (189) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Arrival by Government and Tropical Oil Co. at agreement respecting the long-standing royalty controversy. |
603 |
Good Offices of the Department of State in Behalf of American Interests in the Barco Petroleum Concession
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 5 | From the Carib Syndicate, Limited Request for assistance in securing a reply from the Colombian Government to memorial of March 16, 1926, petitioning for reconsideration of declaration of forfeiture affecting the Barco concession; memorandum on the history of the concession and its acquisition by Colombian company organized and owned by U. S. interests (text printed). |
603 |
| Jan. 12 (2) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Note for Foreign Minister (text printed) inquiring whether the Colombian Government will not reply to the company’s memorial without further delay. |
610 |
| Jan. 18 (2) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Reply of Foreign Minister that, inasmuch as the Compania Colombiana del Petroleo is a Colombian company, the Department erred in instructing action by the American Minister. Information that the American Minister explained that the stock is owned almost exclusively by U. S. interests; suggestion that informal efforts might be made to effect a friendly settlement. |
611 |
| Jan. 24 (5) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to explain that no impropriety was perceived in an inquiry on behalf of U. S. interests; approval of suggestion for informal efforts to effect friendly settlement. |
611 |
| Jan. 24 (6) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Promise of Foreign Minister to urge early decision by Colombian authorities now considering case. |
612 |
| Mar. 17 (13) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to report present status of Barco case and to endeavor to expedite promised decision. |
612 |
| Apr. 1 (24) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Willingness of the President to settle controversy through Foreign Minister and American Minister; his suggestion that the company submit its best proposal. Request to be advised of company’s representative in Bogota with whom strictly confidential consultations may be held. |
612 |
| Apr. 2 (25) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Receipt of intimation that the presence of Mr. Jordan Herbert Stabler, fully empowered to act for the company, would facilitate a settlement. |
613 |
| Apr. 3 (16) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Belief of U. S. interests that progress would be facilitated through direct contact between their Bogota representatives and Colombian officials. Suggestion that a meeting might be brought about by American Minister; instructions concerning nonparticipation in strictly business negotiations. |
613 |
| Apr. 5 (17) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Understanding that Stabler will proceed to Bogota. |
614 |
| Apr. 9 (18) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Importance of restoration of concession and withdrawal of forfeiture decree before any changes in terms of concession are made. |
614 |
| July 2 (53) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Suggestion that, as Minister of Industry has presented a proposal involving no revocation of decree and which the company has rejected as impossible, a further word from the Department to the Colombian President, indicating desire for settlement, might be of material assistance. |
615 |
| July 3 (33) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to obtain interview with the President, at which Stabler may be present, and to express the Department’s regret over the position taken by the Minister of Industry. Hope that matter may be arranged before Stabler’s departure, as Department would prefer for agreement to be reached by direct negotiations rather than by diplomatic intervention. |
615 |
| July 5 (54) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that the President sees no basis for diplomatic intervention and that he will inquire of Minister of Industry as to status of the negotiations; also that Stabler has not received interview with the President and will soon depart if no progress is made. |
616 |
| July 16 (57) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Departure of Stabler following failure of President and Minister of Industry to grant interviews. |
617 |
| July 16 (37) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Résumé of Department’s understanding of status of matter; instructions, if situation is as set forth, to advise the President and Foreign Minister that the Department believes the matter is eminently subject to diplomatic action. |
617 |
| July 17 (58) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Agreement with Department’s understanding; information that the Foreign Minister is ill and that efforts are being made to see the President. |
618 |
| July 19 (59) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that the President does not desire to damage the company but earnestly wishes to bring about a satisfactory settlement if possible. |
618 |
| July 19 (38) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Note for the Foreign Minister (text printed), renewing representations against continued delay in answering the company’s memorial and failure to afford opportunity to their representative for negotiations with the competent officials. |
618 |
| July 20 (60) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that the note will be delivered when the President returns to Bogota and the Foreign Minister has recovered. |
619 |
| July 20 | From the Third Secretary of Legation in
Colombia (tel.) Personal suggestion that the delivery of note may force the President to confirm the expropriation decree. |
620 |
| July 23 (39) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Authorization, if Minister also feels it unwise to present the note, to hold note and cable reasons and suggestions for modifying it. |
620 |
| July 23 (61) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Concurrence in Chargérs opinion; recommendation for diplomatic but firm insistence on revocation of expropriation decree and return of the concession. |
621 |
| July 27 (40) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to substitute in the note two new paragraphs (texts printed) expressing the belief that the decree should be rescinded and the company allowed to resume possession under the concession; authorization for delivery to the Foreign Minister and the President and for accompanying oral remarks. |
621 |
| July 30 (62) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Delivery of note to the Foreign Minister, and his approval. |
622 |
| Aug. 1 (63) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Delivery of copy of note to the President, and his promise of an early decision. |
622 |
| Aug. 5 (64) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that on August 4 the President signed a resolution confirming forfeiture of the concession. |
623 |
| Aug. 11 (41) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Note for the Foreign Office (text printed) expressing U. S. concern over the resolution confirming forfeiture and assumption that concessionaire has a period of 30 days in which to present a new memorial answering alleged new grounds for forfeiture contained in resolution. |
624 |
| Aug. 11 (66) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Receipt of formal notification from Foreign Minister of resolution of August 4. |
625 |
| Aug. 12 (67) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Press reports of Foreign Minister’s remarks in the Senate concerning Colombian attitude toward intervention of the U. S. Government and Stabler’s visit; American Minister’s observation that so far as he is concerned the remarks are absolutely contrary to the facts. Information that the note contained in telegram No. 41, August 11, will be sent the following day. |
625 |
| Aug. 15 (42) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to address a note to the Foreign Minister referring specifically to the press reports and stating clearly the facts with regard to Stabler’s visit and the propriety of diplomatic intervention previously acknowledged by the Foreign Minister. |
627 |
| Aug. 16 (68) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Receipt of Foreign Office note of August 14 (text printed), stating inability to admit interference of U. S. Government in controversy between the Colombian Government and a private entity. |
628 |
| Aug. 17 (69) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Press reports of further remarks in the Senate by the Foreign Minister and Minister of Industry regarding U. S. intervention and Stabler’s visit. |
628 |
| Aug. 20 (72) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Confidential information to company’s representative from Ministry of Industry official to the effect that no new memorial will be accepted. |
629 |
| Aug. 21 (73) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Foreign Minister’s explanation that he had been misquoted in the press; his desire that statements concerning Stabler’s visit be expunged from American Minister’s note. |
629 |
| Aug. 22 (76) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Information that solicitor of Ministry of Industry formally notified company’s representative of Barco resolution, advising orally and unofficially that no new memorial would be acted on nor would any written inquiry regarding the question be answered. |
630 |
| Aug. 23 (44) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Opinion that accurate statement of the facts should remain on files of Foreign Office; instructions not to withdraw note or any part thereof. |
630 |
| Aug. 25 (45) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to secure written statement from company’s representative concerning visit from solicitor of Ministry of Industry and to transmit it to Foreign Office in order that it may be included in the record. |
631 |
| Aug. 27 (81) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Advice that company’s representative is awaiting authority from principals before delivering written statement. |
631 |
| Aug. 28 (46) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Disinclination of company to instruct representative to make written statement. Instructions to take no further action on telegram No. 45, August 25. |
632 |
| Aug. 29 (83) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Suggestion that record might be completed and embarrassment to company avoided if company’s representative would inquire in writing of Minister of Industry whether a new memorial would be acceptable, and in case of no reply or a negative reply that fact could be stated to the Legation. |
632 |
| Sept. 11 (53) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Note for Foreign Minister (text printed) stating that refusal of Colombian Government to deal with the Barco matter in manner usual in intercourse between friendly nations will not cause the U. S. Government to desist from according proper and necessary assistance to American citizens. |
632 |
| Nov. 22 (Air Mail 1) | From the Minister in Colombia Foreign Office note, November 16 (text printed) reaffirming the decision with respect to impropriety of U. S. intervention which was contained in Foreign Office note of August 14. |
633 |
Good Offices of the Department of State To Protect the Interests of the United Fruit Company in Colombia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 12 (12) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to discuss again with the Colombian authorities the difficulties being experienced by the United Fruit Company due to recent resolution which prohibits the company from taking water from certain rivers; and, if latest information as to destruction of certain property on the company’s land is accurate, to request officially that the Colombian Government postpone further action until the controversy can be judicially determined. |
635 |
| June 20 (48) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Introduction into the House of Representatives of bill to enable Government to acquire irrigation canals without securing consent of Council of State. |
635 |
| June 25 (31) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Opinion that beneficial effect might result from informal advice to the Foreign Minister that instructions have been received to follow progress of proposed legislation and to report on probable effect on U. S. interests in Colombia. |
636 |
| June 28 (51) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Report of conversation with the Foreign Minister in which he promised to do everything possible to prevent passage of legislation which is regarded as highly detrimental to American interests. (Note: Information in despatch No. 579, September 18, 1929, from the Minister in Colombia that neither the land nor the irrigation problem of United Fruit Company has been satisfactorily settled, although the company’s petitions have been pending before the Council of State for over a year.) |
636 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Colombia Respecting the Status of Serrana and Quita Sueño Banks and Roncador Cay, Effected by Exchange of Notes, April 10, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 10 (352) | From the Colombian Minister Arrangement respecting the status of Serrana and Quita Sueno Banks and Roncador Cay. |
637 |
| Apr. 10 | To the Colombian Minister Confirmation of arrangement respecting the status of Serrana and Quita Sueño Banks and Roncador Cay. |
638 |
Disapproval by the Department of State of Participation of American Consular Officers in Joint Representations to Authorities of Foreign Governments
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Sept. 29 | To the Consul at Cali Disapproval of participation by American consular officers in joint representations to authorities of foreign governments, except in very special circumstances and after Department has granted specific authority in each case. |
639 |
CUBA
Proposal by Cuba That the Commercial Convention Between the United States and Cuba, Signed December 11, 1902, Be Revised
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 June 13 | To the Cuban Ambassador Transmission of copies of the report of the U. S. Tariff Commission on the effect of the Cuban reciprocity treaty of 1902. Observation that when the Cuban proposals for revision of the treaty are examined in the light of this report it does not appear on what basis they can be justified. |
640 |
| June 19 | From the Cuban Ambassador Statement that the Cuban Government continues to maintain its opinion that the treaty does not answer the reciprocal interests of the two countries as it ought to do. |
641 |
| June 23 (170) | To the Ambassador in Cuba Transmittal of the note of June 13 which was handed to the Cuban Ambassador, and a copy of Tariff Commission report, together with Department’s comments. |
641 |
Extension of Credit for $50,000,000 to the Cuban Government by the Chase National Bank
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 May 3 | Memorandum by the Acting Economic
Adviser Data on condition of Cuban special public works fund; information that Cuban Secretary of the Treasury has requested bids for a credit of 40 to 50 million dollars. |
642 |
| May 3 (227) | From the Chargé in Cuba Inquiry for indication of Department’s views concerning the proposed financing of the Central Highway project. |
643 |
| May 5 (143) | To the Chargé in Cuba Instructions to advise the Foreign Office that the Department expects to receive requests for information and for a statement of its views. |
646 |
| May 14 (67) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Submission of bids by National City Bank, Chase National Bank, and syndicate headed by First National Bank of Boston. |
647 |
| May 24 (73) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) For White: Inquiry, in view of nonreceipt from Cuban Government of statement of public works revenues informally requested, whether to advise Cuban Government formally of Department’s expectation of being consulted and to ask officially for statement of the revenues. |
648 |
| May 25 (90) | To the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Receipt of inquiry from Chase National Bank whether the Department sees any objection to proposed credit arrangement; instructions to submit to Foreign Office a memorandum renewing request for information. |
648 |
| May 28 (280) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Memorandum presented to Foreign Office (text printed) in accordance with telegram No. 90, May 25. |
649 |
| June 2 (81) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Official acceptance of Chase bid. |
650 |
| June 14 (306) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Foreign Office memorandum of May 29 (text printed) containing data in connection with Chase financing, as orally requested by the Ambassador on May 25. |
650 |
| June 20 | To the Chase National Bank Nonobjection to proposed credit arrangement with Cuba. |
652 |
| June 20 (107) | To the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Memorandum for Foreign Office (text printed) advising of the Department’s nonobjection to proposed credit arrangement; instructions to indicate orally that an unfortunate impression would be produced if the public works fund were drawn upon even temporarily to meet ordinary expenses of the Cuban Government. |
653 |
| June 25 (320) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Reasons for belief that it would be inadvisable to make the oral communication directed in telegram No. 107, June 20. |
654 |
Suggestion of Cuba That a Meteorological Station Be Erected on Swan Islands Jointly by the United States, Cuba, Great Britain, and Mexico
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 31 (109) | To the Ambassador in Cuba Instructions to advise the Cuban Government informally, in connection with its proposal for joint installation and maintenance of a meteorological station at Swan Islands by Cuba and the United States, that the U. S. Government feels that the station, if installed, should be solely at the expense and under the control of U. S. Government, and that a definite reply will be made in near future. |
655 |
| Apr. 19 (76) | To the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Instructions to advise the Foreign Minister that the matter of establishing a meteorological station is being given active consideration, and that if the station is established, the meteorological observations will be freely supplied to Cuba and other interested countries. |
656 |
| June 4 | From the Cuban Ambassador Inquiry whether the U. S. Government would permit a Cuban concern to establish a temporary station until the United States might decide to establish a station. |
656 |
| Aug. 1 | To the Cuban Chargé Information that arrangements have been completed whereby meteorological reports will be received from Swan Islands until October 30, that the Cuban meteorological service has been advised of their availability, and that the matter of permanent station is under consideration. |
657 |
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Naturalization Treaty Between the United States and Czechoslovakia Signed July 16, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1923 Mar. 14 (394) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Foreign Office note of February 28 (text printed), accepting proposed naturalization treaty with certain modifications. |
658 |
| July 26 (130) | To the Minister in
Czechoslovakia Transmittal of revised draft treaty incorporating certain Czechoslovak and U. S. modifications. |
659 |
| 1926 Aug. 20 (1093) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Foreign Office note of April 30 (text printed), containing views on the provisions of the revised draft treaty, proposing reciprocal exchange of names of persons who become naturalized in the other country, and suggesting settlement of the dual nationality problem. |
662 |
| 1927 May 13 (457) | To the Minister in
Czechoslovakia Observations on the suggestions contained in the Czechoslovak note of April 30, 1926; transmittal of redraft of proposed treaty embodying amendments proposed by the Czechoslovak Government insofar as the U. S. Government is able to agree to them. |
676 |
| 1928 Mar. 2 (1496) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Receipt of Czechoslovak note stating nonobjection to conclusion of treaty, but pointing out that it will not solve difficulties arising from Czechoslovak and U. S. legislation regarding citizenship of married women and dual nationality, expressing particular interest in being informed of naturalization of Czechoslovak citizens in the United States, and declaring readiness to study suggestions with regard to establishing certificates of birth. |
681 |
| Apr. 16 (531) | To the Chargé in Czechoslovakia Opinion that conclusion of treaty should not be postponed on account of difficulties arising from conflict of laws relating to married women and dual nationality. Instructions to proceed to signature of treaty. Information that the Department of Labor has been consulted regarding possibility of advising Czechoslovak nationals who obtain naturalization in the United States to notify the Czechoslovak Government. |
681 |
| May 7 (536) | To the Minister in
Czechoslovakia Instructions to advise the Czechoslovak Government that the Commissioner of Naturalization is preparing instruction which will direct field officers to notify Czechoslovak nationals who obtain naturalization to advise Czechoslovak Legation or consulates of the change in their nationality. |
683 |
| July 16 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Czechoslovakia Concerning status of former nationals of either country who have acquired, or may acquire, nationality in the other country by process of naturalization. |
683 |
| Oct. 30 (1660) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia Desire of Czechoslovak Government that Commissioner of Naturalization notify Czechoslovak Legation at Washington when a Czechoslovak citizen becomes a citizen of the United States. |
685 |
Treaties of Arbitration and Conciliation Between the United States and Czechoslovakia, Signed August 16, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 27 (12) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Information that drafts of an arbitration treaty and of a treaty similar to Bryan treaties have been handed to the Czechoslovak Minister. |
686 |
| June 11 (42) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Foreign Minister’s willingness to sign proposed arbitration treaty as it stands, but preference that the word “equity” be changed to “international law”, on account of different connotation of “equity” under Czechoslovak law. |
687 |
| June 27 (28) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Belief that differences in existing definitions of “equity are not ground for concern. |
687 |
| July 11 (54) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Foreign Minister’s instructions to Czechoslovak Minister at Washington to sign arbitration treaty in the form proposed. |
688 |
| Aug. 16 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Czechoslovakia Of arbitration. |
688 |
| Aug. 16 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Czechoslovakia Of conciliation. |
690 |
Representations to the Czechoslovak Government for Increase in Contingent Allowed for Importation of American Automobiles
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 12 (502) | To the Minister in
Czechoslovakia Instructions to endeavor to secure a suitable contingent for importation of American automobiles. |
692 |
| Feb. 11 (1479) | From the Minister in
Czechoslovakia Information that the Minister and commercial attaché have repeatedly argued against restrictions on importation of American cars, but that any efforts are unlikely to meet with success unless accompanied by hints of retaliation. |
696 |
| Mar. 6 (1501) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Receipt from Minister of Commerce of information that he is granting license importations for 500 additional cars and of intimation that later he might be able to grant more. |
697 |
| Mar. 15 (9) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Information from commercial attaché to the Department of Commerce, March 7, that 500 additional licenses have been secured; instructions to keep the Department directly in touch with situation and in particular to report concerning any cases of discrimination. |
698 |
| Mar. 20 (21) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Advice that information appears to have been premature, as no licenses have been actually granted, but that the Chargé is requesting expedition of matter. |
698 |
| Mar. 23 (10) | To the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Instructions to urge the Foreign Minister to make licenses available at the earliest moment practicable, as the Department, on strength of assurances received, notified Automobile Chamber of Commerce of the 500-car increase. |
698 |
| Mar. 24 (11) | To the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Understanding that the import quota has been fixed at 63 American cars monthly; instructions, in connection with representations pursuant to telegram No. 10, March 23, to state that fixation of monthly quota results in considerable hardship because of inflexibility and seasonal character of demand. |
699 |
| Mar. 28 (26) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Receipt of note from Minister of Commerce stating that extra allowance of licenses over the regular 800 will be granted and to such extent as not to make worse former practice, that 84 and 140 licenses will be granted for March and April, and that subsequent seasonal tendencies will be taken into consideration. |
699 |
| Mar. 28 (27) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Recommendation that quota now granted be accepted, in view of Czechoslovak Cabinet situation, and that broader issues be reserved for a more opportune time. |
700 |
| Mar. 29 (13) | To the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Instructions to inquire of Minister of Commerce whether his statement means that not less that 1600 licenses will be granted for current year; warning to avoid any commitment as to acceptability of present quota. |
700 |
| Apr. 2 (28) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Figures from Minister of Commerce concerning import licenses for American cars during previous years, expectation for the coming months, and number of licenses issued to foreign countries. |
701 |
| Apr. 13 | To the Chairman of the United States Tariff
Commission Request for comment on the question whether Czechoslovak restrictions upon importation of automobiles are imposed in such a manner as to constitute a discrimination against American commerce within the meaning of section 317 of the Tariff Act of 1922. |
702 |
| May 1 | From the Chairman of the United States Tariff
Commission Opinion that, while the import restrictions are imposed in such manner as to constitute unequal treatment and place American commerce at a disadvantage compared with the commerce of the other foreign countries within the meaning of the statute, there may be a question whether the public interest would be served by applying retaliatory measures. |
704 |
| May 7 (1549) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Report of successful efforts with new Minister of Commerce to secure May allotment of the additional licenses and anticipation of June allotment. |
707 |
| July 23 (1606) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Report of efforts to secure increases in contingents, in view of increased demands for American cars and fact that 500 are now at customs and that 400 more are due to arrive August 1. |
709 |
| Aug. 14 (39) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Approval of efforts to obtain import licenses for additional automobiles; instructions to emphasize the discrimination which results from apportionment of quotas in such a way that American trade is restricted seriously, while the trade of several other countries in fact is unrestricted. |
710 |
| Aug. 27 (67) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Receipt of Foreign Office note stating that, as indication of good will, the importation of 180 cars is authorized credited against the next year’s contingent. Opinion that nothing further can be accomplished through ordinary argument. |
711 |
| Oct. 4 (44) | To the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Instructions for presentation of note requesting additional import licenses for American cars. |
712 |
| Oct. 13 (74) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Presentation of note. |
712 |
| Oct. 15 (1650) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia Note to Czechoslovak Government, October 12 (text printed); comments on provisions thereof. |
713 |
| Nov. 24 (79) | From the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Inquiry whether to file written protest against delay in answering U. S. note. |
716 |
| Nov. 30 (52) | To the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Instructions to inquire formally when reply may be expected. |
716 |
| 1929 Feb. 2 (13) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Receipt of Foreign Office note advising confidentially that contingent will be increased from 800 to 1,500 cars. |
717 |
DENMARK
Treaty of Arbitration Between the United States and Denmark, Signed June 14, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 22 | To the Danish Minister Transmittal of draft treaty of arbitration. |
718 |
| Apr. 19 (464) | From the Minister in Denmark Information that the Danish Minister in Washington has been instructed to sign treaty as proposed except for a few technical modifications to exclude the independent Government of Iceland. |
719 |
| June 14 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Denmark Enlarging the scope of arbitration convention signed May 18, 1908. (Footnote: Signature of arbitration treaty with Iceland, May 15, 1930.) |
720 |
Representations by Denmark Against Discrimination in Tonnage Duties Levied Against Danish Vessels in American Ports
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 3 (158) | From the Danish Minister Representations against 6-cent tonnage rate levied against Danish vessels in American ports, and claim, in virtue of most-favored-nation provisions of U. S.-Danish treaty of 1826, for the preferential rate of 2 cents accorded to Norwegian and Swedish vessels; reservation of right to propose arbitration of question and to claim refund of all previously paid tonnage dues in excess of the 2-cent rate. |
722 |
| Oct. 4 (11) | To the Minister in Norway (tel.) Instructions to advise nature of tonnage duties assessed in Norwegian ports. |
725 |
| Oct. 4 (34) | To the Minister in Denmark (tel.) Instructions to advise nature of tonnage duties assessed in Danish ports. |
725 |
| Oct. 5 (23) | From the Minister in Norway (tel.) Information that tonnage duties are uniform for all countries, including Norway. |
726 |
| Oct. 5 (40) | From the Minister in Denmark (tel.) Information that tonnage duties are the same for Danish and all foreign ships. |
726 |
| Oct. 18 | To the Secretary of Commerce Opinion that, unless U. S. Government is prepared to grant the 2-cent rate to Danish vessels, it will be necessary to abrogate U. S.-Norwegian treaty of 1827 under which the preferential rate is granted; request to be advised whether any objection is perceived to abrogation. |
726 |
| Oct. 21 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Danish Minister in which he was informed confidentially that the question of abrogating either the Norwegian or Danish treaty was under consideration. |
728 |
| Nov. 3 | From the Acting Secretary of
Commerce Nonobjection to abrogation of Norwegian treaty. |
729 |
| 1927 Mar. 26 | To the Danish Minister Information that it is considered desirable to terminate the present system under which Danish vessels pay a higher rate of tonnage dues than Norwegian vessels, and that it is hoped that a solution satisfactory to the Danish Government can be adopted after the convening of Congress in December. |
729 |
| Apr. 12 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Danish Minister in which he was informed of correctness of his supposition that a new treaty is being negotiated with Norway which will remove the discrimination in tonnage dues, and in which he reserved right to claim refund of the discriminatory rate charged Danish vessels. |
730 |
| Feb. 14 (15) | From the Danish Minister Inability to see in note of March 26, 1927, a complete reply to Danish contentions; request for reconsideration of matter in order that Danish rights to equal treatment with Norway may be fully recognized and satisfaction given to the Danish claim. |
730 |
| Apr. 9 (41) | From the Danish Minister Presumption that U. S. Government has now come to definite conclusion; request to be advised. |
732 |
| Apr. 14 | To the Danish Minister Information that matter is being given careful study and consideration with a view to preparation of a reply in the near future. (Bracketed note: Information that Danish Legation, March 19, 1929, was notified that Danish vessels are properly subject to the 6-cent tonnage rate.) |
732 |
Proposed Reciprocal Extension of Free Importation Privileges to Consular Officers of the United States and Denmark
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 5 (90) | To the Minister in Denmark Instructions to propose to Danish Government that free importation privileges be extended to American and Danish consular officers under most-favored-nation provisions of U. S.-Danish treaty of 1826. |
733 |
| July 21 (551) | From the Chargé in Denmark Information that Foreign Office is considering the matter, but that difficulty has arisen over interpretation of “imposts” in Danish text as covering customs duties or merely internal taxes and contributions. |
734 |
| Sept. 17 (115) | To the Minister in Denmark Instructions to inform Foreign Office of opinion that “imposts” as used in legal phraseology and in treaty includes customs exemptions. |
736 |
| Oct. 24 (152) | From the Danish Minister Inquiry as to interpretation of the words “all other personal property” in connection with enumeration of articles which may be imported duty-free. |
737 |
| Nov. 5 | To the Danish Minister Explanation that articles or commodities of any kind may be imported for personal use, free of duty, except articles the importation of which is prohibited by the laws of either country. |
738 |
| Dec. 20 (695) | From the Minister in Denmark Report that numerous inquiries have been made concerning Danish decision, but that Foreign Office has not yet been able to obtain consent of the Ministry of Finance. |
739 |
ECUADOR
Extension by the United States of “De Jure” Recognition to the Government of Ecuador
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Aug. 13 (24) | To the Minister in Ecuador (tel.) Note for Foreign Minister advising extension by the United States of full recognition to the regime of Dr. Ayora as the Government de jure of Ecuador (text printed). |
742 |
| Aug. 14 (33) | From the Minister in Ecuador (tel.) Delivery of note at 4:30 p.m. |
742 |
EGYPT
Proposed Changes in the Regime of the Mixed Courts in Egypt
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 23 (146) | From the Chargé in Egypt Report that the Egyptian Government is preparing a note which will propose reconsideration of the Mixed Courts and capitulations in general, and will invite the powers to express their views and send delegates to a congress. |
743 |
| Dec. 30 (14) | From the Chargé in Egypt (tel.) Information that the Foreign Minister has addressed circular note to the capitulatory legations proposing modification of mixed trials and international conference at Cairo in February. |
744 |
| Dec. 30 (150) | From the Chargé in Egypt Foreign Minister’s circular note of December 25 (text printed). |
745 |
| 1928 Jan. 6 (155) | From the Chargé in Egypt Information concerning the attitude taken by the capitulatory legations in submitting Egyptian note to their Governments. |
762 |
| Jan. 10 (3) | To the Chargé in Egypt (tel.) Instructions to report views of American judges on Mixed Courts and of Americans residing in Egypt, and to inform Egyptian Government of the U. S. Government’s sympathetic consideration of proposals and willingness to attend conference if it should later appear desirable to hold one, but that February would be too early. |
764 |
| Jan. 21 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State Report of conversation with the Egyptian Minister in which he presented invitation to attend a conference to consider questions pertaining to the Mixed Courts. |
764 |
| Jan. 21 (172) | From the Chargé in Egypt Information that the Foreign Minister is reconciled to fact that proposals will not be accepted by the capitulatory powers by January 31 and that conference desired for February will not take place, although he hopes for one in the late spring. |
765 |
| Nov. 3 (44) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Receipt by capitulatory powers of Foreign Office note of October 28 reopening general question of capitulations and hope for prompt realization of the reforms outlined in note of December 25, 1927; understanding that French reply will state disposition to give matter favorable consideration but will point out necessity of first drawing up suitable civil and criminal codes and will suggest direct conversations rather than international commission. |
766 |
| Nov. 3 (69) | From the Minister in Egypt Foreign Office note of October 28 (text printed). |
767 |
| Nov. 6 (47) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Understanding that the Belgian and Greek Ministers plan to send replies similar to the French reply. |
768 |
| Nov. 22 (83) | From the Minister in Egypt Belief of British High Commissioner that the proposal for holding conference is the lesser of two evils; understanding that French, Italian, Greek, and Rumanian Ministers will employ obstructive tactics in replying to Egyptian note. |
769 |
| Dec. 1 (89) | From the Minister in Egypt Comments on French reply of November 22; inability to agree that an international conference is impractical. |
770 |
| Dec. 7 (90) | From the Chargé in Egypt Observation that Italian reply to Egyptian proposals is identical with French note in general sense but that it stresses desirability of informal conversations; understanding that Foreign Minister is disturbed by the conflicting attitudes taken by the British High Commissioner and the Franco-Italian group. |
772 |
Appointment of an American Representative on the International Quarantine Board at Alexandria
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Mar. 2 (307) | To the Minister in Egypt Instructions to communicate to appropriate Egyptian authorities the U. S. desire for representation on the International Quarantine Board at Alexandria. |
773 |
| Aug. 29 (326) | To the Chargé in Egypt Instructions to report the present status of matter. |
774 |
| 1928 Mar. 3 (203) | From the Chargé in Egypt Assurance by Prime Minister that U. S. representation will be granted but that it may take some time to arrange. |
775 |
| May 18 (261) | From the Chargé in Egypt Information that the Legation is pressing for admission of an American representative but that the delay is apparently due to demoralization and confusion in the Ministry of the Interior. |
775 |
| June 22 (24) | From the Chargé in Egypt (tel.) Egyptian approval of American representation and request for name and record of proposed delegate. |
776 |
| June 22 (283) | From the Chargé in Egypt Foreign Office note of June 21 (text printed) communicating decision to accord to the United States representation on the International Quarantine Board and requesting name of delegate. |
777 |
| July 3 | From the Secretary of the
Treasury Suggestion by the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service that for the time being the U. S. representative be the ranking consular officer at Alexandria and that technical assistance by Public Health Service officer at Naples, Italy, can readily be made available upon request. |
778 |
| July 31 | To the Secretary of the
Treasury Information that the American consul at Alexandria has been nominated as U. S. representative and that he will be pleased to receive a visit from the Public Health Service officer at Naples. |
779 |
| July 31 (381) | To the Minister in Egypt Instructions to notify Foreign Office of nomination of American consul and to forward information to the consulate at Alexandria. |
780 |
| Aug. 24 (20) | From the Chargé in Egypt Information that instruction No. 381, July 31, has been executed. |
781 |
| Nov. 3 | To the Consul at Alexandria Advice that Public Health Service representative at Paris will visit Egypt in November and will call upon the American consul. |
781 |
Consent of the United States to Extension of Privilege of Search of Domiciles of Its Nationals on Condition of Similar Consent by Other Powers
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 23 (355) | To the Chargé in Egypt Instructions, upon the granting of similar consent by other powers, to convey U. S. Government’s consent to extension to the hours from sunset to sunrise of the privilege of searching domiciles of American nationals in connection with investigation of premises suspected of concealing illegal distilleries. |
782 |
| May 16 (259) | From the Chargé in Egypt Renewal by Egyptian Government of request for extension of privilege of search; advice that the Legation has not conveyed U. S. Government’s consent because France, Italy, and Greece have withheld their consent; request for instructions as to reply. |
783 |
| June 25 (377) | To the Chargé in Egypt Instructions to limit reply to an acknowledgment and statement of U. S. position in the sense of draft note set forth in this instruction (text printed). |
783 |
ETHIOPIA
Project for Construction of a Dam at Lake Tsana
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 26 (18) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Letter to the J. G. White Engineering Corporation (text printed) stating that the matter of the Tsana dam has been discussed at length with Ras Tafari, the Prince Regent; that Ras Tafari has received a British Foreign Office note indicating consent to the building of the dam provided work is given to competent engineers and guarantees are given concerning water for the Sudan and Egypt, and asserting that the British Government must be informed of the concession terms before entering upon formal negotiations; and that the Minister believes Ras Tafari will soon invite a company representative to confer either in Ethiopia or London. |
786 |
| Oct. 1 (13) | To the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Request of the White Corporation that an inquiry be submitted to Ras Tafari as to whether the matter of dam has progressed sufficiently to justify discussion in London, as present time is considered especially opportune. |
787 |
| Oct. 2 (51) | From the Minister in Egypt Résumé of the views of the Minister of Public Works in regard to the problem of Nile control; his opinion that only the Assuan dam project should take precedence over the Tsana project. Information that the Minister in Ethiopia has been informed. |
788 |
| Oct. 3 (74) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Reasons for postponing discussions with Ras Tafari with respect to White Corporation proposal for a conference. |
789 |
| Oct. 17 | From the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Information that the White Corporation proposal has been discussed with King Tafari who considers it strategically inadvisable to call a conference until the British Government replies to his inquiry concerning terms under which they will use water. Expectation that the new British Minister will bring terms with him in December. |
791 |
| Oct. 17 (81) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Detailed information of the discussion with King Tafari. |
791 |
| Oct. 29 (18) | To the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Instructions to bring to King Tafari’s attention additional arguments of White Corporation for holding conference at London before departure of new British Minister for Addis Ababa. |
793 |
| Nov. 5 (92) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Information that King Tafari is ill but that White Corporation proposal will be brought to his attention as soon as possible. Report that new British Minister is en route to Ethiopia. |
794 |
| Nov. 28 | From the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Information that the matter has been discussed with King Tafari who refuses to call a conference or take any other step until a further communication has been received from the British. Expectation that the British Minister will give reply when he presents his letter of credence on December 2. Minister’s opinion that the King has never yet definitely made up his mind to have the dam constructed. |
794 |
| Nov. 28 (101) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Detailed information concerning the discussion with King Tafari. |
795 |
| Nov. 30 | To the President of the J. G. White Engineering
Corporation Information that King Tafari is reluctant to take any action until further negotiations with the British; that the Department can do nothing further in the matter. |
796 |
| Dec. 3 | From the Minister in Ethiopia (tel.) Information that King Tafari intimates that British action is delayed by difficulties with the Egyptian Government. |
797 |
| Dec. 3 (104) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Detailed information concerning King Tafari’s intimation with respect to British delay; German interest in the project. Possibility of conference between Captain White and the King. |
797 |
| 1929 Jan. 5 | To the President of the J. G. White Engineering
Corporation Information that, as a result of a conference between the King and the new British Minister, the King desires that the White Corporation send a representative to discuss possible contract. |
798 |
Proposals by Ethiopia for Obtaining Military Supplies and Instructors in the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 June 21 (7615) | From the Ambassador in France Information that there has been an exchange of notes between Great Britain, France, and Italy in which the powers agreed to apply in principle to Ethiopia the provisions of the Geneva convention of June 17, 1925; and that a conference with Ethiopian authorities was planned for this spring, but was postponed to the autumn. |
799 |
| 1928 May 4 (4) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Inquiry from Ras Tafari regarding price of military equipment in the United States. Minister’s request for catalogs of military supplies; his understanding that since Ethiopia’s entrance into the League of Nations, there is no longer any restriction sponsored by Britain, France, and Italy to control the importation of war materials. |
800 |
| Sept. 14 (63) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Inquiry from the Ethiopian Government whether the U. S. War Department would purchase for it as a special favor one airplane and two tanks; also whether it would be possible to obtain the services of two Army officers to serve as military instructors in the Ethiopian Army. |
800 |
| Oct. 3 (341) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to ascertain the results of proposed conference of three powers with Ethiopia and present status of arms traffic control. |
801 |
| Nov. 3 (345) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Information that the conference has not yet taken place but that the representatives of the three powers at Addis Ababa expected to renew their invitation to Ethiopia to attend the proposed conference. |
801 |
| Nov. 5 (26) | To the Minister in Ethiopia Information that the War Department is permitted by law to concern itself with the sale to foreign governments of surplus military equipment only and that at present it has no surplus airplanes or tanks; also that Army officers may be detailed for such purposes as requested by Ethiopia only in pursuance of a special act of Congress. |
802 |
| Nov. 14 (27) | To the Minister in Ethiopia Transmittal of Department of Commerce reply of October 25 to the request for catalogs and material from American manufacturers. Information that there is nothing to prevent the shipment of war materials from the United States to Ethiopia, although it is not Department’s policy to encourage the exportation of arms and ammunition to any country. |
802 |
| Dec. 6 (30) | To the Minister in Ethiopia Transmittal of copy of letter of November 8 from S. F. Mashbir, a Major in the Reserve of the U. S. Army, to King Tafari. Information that Mashbir understands that any arrangement with the Ethiopian Government is made as a private citizen. |
803 |
FINLAND
Treaties of Arbitration and Conciliation Between the United States and Finland, Signed June 7, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 9 | To the Finnish Minister Transmittal, for the consideration of the Finnish Government and as a basis for negotiation, of a draft treaty of arbitration and a draft treaty of conciliation. |
804 |
| June 2 | From the Finnish Minister Information that the Minister has been instructed to sign treaties. |
805 |
| June 7 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Finland Of arbitration. |
806 |
| June 7 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Finland Of conciliation. |
808 |
FRANCE
Treaty of Arbitration Between the United States and France, Signed February 6, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 28 | To the French Ambassador Transmittal, for the consideration of the French Government and as a basis for negotiation, of a draft treaty of arbitration (text printed). |
810 |
| 1928 Jan. 7 | From the French Ambassador Confirmation of oral modifications made the previous day in draft treaty at suggestion of French Foreign Minister; and transmittal of copy of draft containing these amendments (text printed). |
812 |
| Feb. 1 | To the French Ambassador Detailed discussion of proposed changes in the amended draft treaty of arbitration; and transmittal of revised text embodying changes suggested by French Government and agreed to by the U. S. Government. |
815 |
| Feb. 6 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
France Of arbitration. |
816 |
| Mar. 1 | To the French Ambassador Opinion of U. S. Government that the provisions of the arbitration treaty signed February 6 do not affect or modify the provisions of the Treaty for the Advancement of Peace signed on September 15, 1914. Request for note stating that the French Government’s interpretation of the treaty is identical with that of the U. S. Government. |
819 |
| Mar. 5 | From the French Ambassador Assurance of French Government that its interpretation of treaty is identical with that of the U. S. Government. |
819 |
Problems of Tariff Administration Regarding French Exports to the United States and American Exports to France
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 31 (8272) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office note, January 27 (text printed) suggesting a procedure for the verification of valuation for customs purposes of French exports to the United States, and inquiring concerning privileges that might be accorded, as a matter of reciprocity, to French agents appointed to verify declarations of U. S. exporters. |
820 |
| May 14 | From the French Ambassador Request for the lowering of excessive duties and for modification of administrative measures harmful to French commerce. Transmittal of lists of complaints. |
822 |
| July 20 | To the French Ambassador Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture (text printed) containing observations with respect to the complaints annexed to the French note of May 14. |
823 |
| Oct. 16 (361) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Note for the Foreign Office (text printed) expressing regret that the procedure suggested by the French Government cannot be adopted and conveying assurances concerning reciprocal treatment of French agents. Instructions to suggest orally that if, as has been intimated, France is prepared to state that U. S. agents might be authorized to examine such French books and records as interested French businessmen may voluntarily submit to them, the U. S. Government would gladly agree. |
827 |
| Oct. 30 (367) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Office that, in view of garbled press reports concerning the communication set forth in telegram No. 361, October 16, the Department has made public a summary of the communication and a statement (text printed); instructions also to make oral representations with respect to the fact that the French Government has permitted garbled reports of the Chargé’s oral conversations to become current. |
829 |
| Oct. 31 (336) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Information that Foreign Office has been informed of Department’s publication and that oral representations have been made. |
830 |
| Nov. 8 (381) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Statement of U. S. views in refutation of accusations that the United States is showing a lack of reciprocity pursuant to the understanding reached in the fall of 1927, for appropriate use in conversations with French officials and for discreet use in conversations with reliable members of the press. Information that the U. S. complaints will be communicated to the French Government shortly. |
831 |
Representations to the French Government Regarding Apparent Violations of Consular Convention of 1853 by French Courts in Landlord and Tenant Cases
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Apr. 21 (2742) | To the Ambassador in France Instructions to urge the Foreign Ministry to devise some means whereby American citizens may be accorded equal treatment with French citizens under the rent law of April 1, 1926, since nondiscriminatory treatment is provided in article 7 of the consular convention of 1853. |
832 |
| Dec. 14 (9211) | From the Chargé in France Information that the matter has been brought before Foreign Ministry on several occasions but that as yet the question of principle has never been answered. |
835 |
| 1929 Jan. 28 (3043) | To the Ambassador in France Opinion that it would seem unnecessary to take special means to obtain an early answer from the Foreign Ministry unless there are cases in which American citizens are suffering undue hardship. |
836 |
FRANCE
Informal Representations Regarding Possible Discrimination Against American Oil Imports Into France
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 14 (8328) | From the Ambassador in France Information that the Chamber petroleum committee is about to consider a bill governing oil imports which contains amendments of a nature discriminatory to foreign interests. |
837 |
| Feb. 18 (8343) | From the Ambassador in France Advice that the objectionable amendments have been attenuated by the petroleum committee; report of informal interview with Foreign Minister Briand, in which he gave assurance that the Government would oppose the bill in its present form when it comes before the Chamber. |
839 |
| Mar. 3 (57) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Withdrawal of the amendments by petroleum committee at instance of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. |
842 |
| Mar. 9 (60) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Passage of bill by the Chamber, March 7; informal representations to the Prime Minister against reported intention of the Minister of Commerce and Industry to have the issuance of licenses administered by the governmental committee in such a way as would constitute discrimination against non-French interests. |
842 |
| Mar. 12 (70) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Approval of informal representations. |
843 |
| Mar. 16 (70) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information that the Senate passed the bill with additional clause which prescribes consultation with the Council of State respecting licenses, thereby constituting an effective check on arbitrary action by the commission, and that the Chamber approved the bill as changed. (Footnote: Promulgation of law, March 30.) |
843 |
Efforts by the Department of State To Protect American Motion Picture Interests From Restrictions Imposed by French Film Regulations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 15 (74) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Understanding that French Senate will pass law restricting foreign films; authorization to point out to Foreign Office informally the serious injury which will result to American motion picture interests in France; instructions to advise whether grounds for formal protest are perceived. |
844 |
| Mar. 16 (72) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information that the restrictions are contained in what purport to be regulations by the film commissioner rather than legislation, and that M. Herriot, Minister of Public Instruction and the Fine Arts, had opposed the adoption of regulations providing for a film quota; doubt that formal protest is justifiable or informal action opportune. |
845 |
| Mar. 23 (80) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Absence of any definite information as to action taken by Film Commission at its meeting to put regulations into effect. |
846 |
| Mar. 24 (89) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to inform Herriot that Will H. Hays is on his way to Paris and to request that he be heard before the adoption of any regulations that may affect American film interests. |
846 |
| Apr. 3 (8491) | From the Ambassador in France Conclusion that the best course will be for Hays to see Herriot and to point out what the result will be to the French as well as American film interests if the present course is persisted in. |
847 |
| May 2 (111) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Report of informal, conciliatory efforts to ameliorate negotiations between Hays, Herriot, and French film interests. |
848 |
| May 4 (124) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Approval of conciliatory efforts. |
849 |
| May 4 (114) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information that Hays and the Film Commission subcommittee reached agreement which will enable American interests to continue business in France under conditions of harmonious and cordial cooperation. |
849 |
Suit of Princess Zizianoff Against Consul Donald F. Bigelow, Involving Question of Consular Immunity
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Mar. 26 (21) | From the Consul General at Paris Notes to Foreign Office, March 5 and 14 (texts printed) requesting withdrawal of suit against Consul Donald F. Bigelow by Princess Zizianoff and declaring that any effort to hold him responsible for his action in refusing the visa to the plaintiff or to have such act reviewed by a French court is improper. |
850 |
| June 30 (198) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Opinion that court decision of April 5 concerning jurisdiction seems to involve confusion of articles 2 and 27 of the consular treaty of 1853, and that article 2, which guarantees immunity of consuls from arrest and imprisonment except in cases of crime, in no way limits the scope of the most-favored-nation provision of article 12; instructions to address note to Foreign Office in this sense. |
853 |
| July 22 (7686) | From the Chargé in France Foreign Office note of July 20 (text printed) declaring that both sides recognize that personal immunity does not mean immunity from the jurisdiction of the courts, and that Consul Bigelow’s statements to the press, which motivated the suit, were personal acts. |
853 |
| Dec. 1 (2526) | To the Chargé in France Note for Foreign Office (text printed) requesting that Court of Appeals of Paris be advised of reasons for U. S. opinion that Consul Bigelow should not be prosecuted in French courts. |
855 |
| 1928 Jan. 13 (8215) | From the Chargé in France Foreign Minister’s reply, January 11 (text printed), stating that the U. S. and French arguments have been conveyed to the courts but that the Foreign Office finds it impossible to modify the position which it has taken. |
856 |
| Mar. 5 (727) | From the Consul General at Paris Judgment rendered against Consul Bigelow by the Court of Appeals of Paris on January 28 (text printed). |
858 |
| Apr. 10 (2723) | To the Ambassador in France Note for Foreign Office (text printed), recording U. S. views on the arguments set forth in court decision of January 28. |
860 |
| 1929 Mar. 30 (1431) | From the Consul General at Paris Dismissal of suit of Princess Zizianoff against Consul Bigelow in judgment rendered by the Civil Tribunal of Paris on March 29. |
861 |
GERMANY
Treaties of Arbitration and Conciliation Between the United States and Germany, Signed May 5, 1928
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 10 (3076) | From the Chargé in Germany Desire of German Government to conclude arbitration treaty with the United States. |
862 |
| Mar. 12 (23) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that draft treaties of arbitration and conciliation have been handed to the German Ambassador. |
863 |
| Apr. 11 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who presented an informal memorandum (text printed) dealing with several questions of interpretation and procedure under the draft treaties. |
863 |
| Apr. 14 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, in which the Ambassador’s queries of April 11 were discussed by the Under Secretary on the basis of an accompanying memorandum of comment (text printed). |
865 |
| May 5 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Germany Of arbitration. |
867 |
| May 5 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
Germany Of conciliation. |
869 |
Plans for a Committee of Experts To Seek a Final Settlement of the Reparation Problem
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Sept. 28 (198) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Possibility that committee of experts to effect final settlement of the reparation problem may soon be summoned; information concerning German attitude toward reparation question, and understanding that American citizens may be invited to sit on experts’ committee. |
871 |
| Oct. 11 (207) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information that situation remains essentially unchanged. |
872 |
| Undated [Rec’d Oct. 30] | Memorandum Handed by the German Ambassador to the
Secretary of State Proposals of the Belgian, British, French, Italian, and Japanese Governments for execution of the agreement reached at Geneva on September 16 for the calling of an experts’ committee. |
872 |
| Oct. 31 (368) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Instructions to advise the Agent General of Reparations that U. S. Government will give sympathetic consideration to request that Americans be permitted to serve, but will assume no responsibility for their designation and will not permit any Government official to serve in his private capacity; observation that this attitude is expressed on understanding that question of European debts to United States will not be a subject for consideration. |
873 |
| Nov. 22 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the French Ambassador, in which the Ambassador was advised that if a request were received for participation of American experts it would receive sympathetic consideration. |
874 |
| Nov. 27 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who informed the Secretary that his Government replied to the British and French representations by a memorandum (text printed) emphasizing necessity that Germany be allowed to fulfill obligations permanently out of its own economic resources without endangering German standard of living; also that question has arisen as to method of selecting American experts. |
874 |
| Dec. 7 (416) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Nonintention of U. S. Government to make any suggestion as to whether committee shall be appointed by Reparation Commission or the interested Governments. |
876 |
| Dec. 8 (420) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Observation that it was not intended to indicate that the Allied European Governments alone, excluding Germany, should make the request for participation of American experts. |
876 |
| Dec. 20 (423) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Terms of reference and section referring to procedure for obtaining American participation (texts printed) contained in Poincaré-Von Hoesch agreement of December 17. |
877 |
| Dec. 20 (424) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Poincaré-Von Hoesch agreement of December 17 (excerpt printed). |
878 |
| Dec. 23 (431) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Issuance by Poincaré of official announcement re-stating the French attitude toward reparation settlement (text printed); suggestion for U. S. press announcement, when American participation is agreed to, stating understanding that reparation question is to be settled on its merits and that debts owed the United States are not to be considered. |
879 |
| Dec. 26 (435) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Communication to press of information regarding U. S. nonobjection to American participation and understanding that debts are to be entirely excluded from discussions. |
880 |
| 1929 Jan. 8 (10) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Request for verification of understanding that the Governments will submit to Department names of Americans selected. |
880 |
| Jan. 8 (7) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Press announcement, December 24, 1928 (text printed), of British Ambassador’s request, in behalf of the interested Governments, for views regarding American participation, and Secretary of State’s reply stating U. S. Government’s nonobjection. Information to the British Ambassador on January 7 that appointment by either the six Governments or by the Reparation Commission and the German Government would be equally satisfactory. Correctness of understanding contained in telegram No. 10, January 8. |
881 |
Disposal of Unused Balances of Sums Allocated to the Interallied Rhineland High Commission for Its Administrative Expenses
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Feb. 18 (50) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Request for authorization (1) to approve Reparation Commission’s proposal for extension to articles 8–12 of the Rhine-land Agreement of assurance given in Annex 3314–A regarding article 6, and (2) to concur in interpretation of this assurance and article 2 of the agreement of January 13, 1927, so as not to block the amounts available for distribution as reparations. (Footnote: Information that Annex 3314–A provides that unused balances of sums allocated for administrative expenses of the Rhineland High Commission shall be made available to meet such German claims under article 6 as may be found to be justified.) |
882 |
| Feb. 23 (53) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Authorization as requested. |
883 |
| Apr. 5 | From the Ambassador in France Agreement of the United States and other powers for continuance of present arrangement for the distribution of cash transfers up to the limit of a third sum of 100 million gold marks during the fourth annuity year. |
884 |
| May 9 | From the Ambassador in France Request for authorization to sign draft protocol drawn up to settle question of the interpretation of article 2 of the agreement of January 13, 1927, and of the extended assurance covering German claims under articles 6 and 8–12 of the Rhineland Agreement. |
885 |
| June 7 (160) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Authorization for signature of protocol. |
888 |
| July 19 | From the Ambassador in France Protocol signed June 14 (text printed). |
888 |
| Oct. 16 (323) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Information that, in response to Reparation Commission’s decision on a request from Greece, the Chargé expressed the opinion that U. S. Government was not interested in the matter unless an arrangement should be reached which would operate to reduce U. S. share in the reparation annuities. |
891 |
| Oct. 31 | To the Greek Minister Disinterest of U. S. Government in Greek request to Reparation Commission for special charge in its favor against fifth Dawes annuity. |
892 |
| Oct. 31 (369) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Instructions to inform Greek delegation and General Secretary of the Reparation Commission of U. S. attitude toward Greek proposal. |
893 |
Agreement Between the United States and Germany for Extension of the Jurisdiction of the Mixed Claims Commission, United States and Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Nov. 26 | From the German Ambassador Desire for conclusion of agreement for extension of jurisdiction of Mixed Claims Commission, United States and Germany, to include so-called late claims. |
894 |
| Dec. 31 | To the German Ambassador Suggested terms of an agreement; information that, upon receipt of note expressing concurrence, the agreement will be regarded as consummated. |
895 |
| Dec. 31 | From the German Ambassador Concurrence in proposals contained in note of December 31. |
897 |
Policy of the Department of State Regarding American Bankers’ to German States and Municipalities Loans
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Jan. 9 (5) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to inquire informally concerning proposed loans to Vestichen Kleinbahm, Westphalia, and Municipal Gas and Electric Corporation of Recklinghausen, and in particular to ascertain whether jurisdiction will be taken by the Beratungsstelle. |
898 |
| Jan. 11 (6) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information that the Beratungsstelle has not received applications relating to the proposed loans but is investigating whether they are municipal or private loans. |
898 |
| Jan. 17 | From Messrs. Hornblower, Miller &
Garrison Opinion that the approval of the Beratungsstelle is not required for the proposed loan to the Recklinghausen Company because it is not a municipal loan but a loan to a public utility or corporation. |
899 |
| Jan. 19 (12) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Report that proposed loans are not within jurisdiction of the Beratungsstelle, but that Ministry of Finance has endeavored to discourage them. |
900 |
| Jan. 23 | To Messrs. Hornblower, Miller &
Garrison Observations on business risk involved in German loans; advice, however, that there appear to be no questions of Government policy involved which would justify the Department in offering objection. |
900 |
| Feb. 14 (14) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to take action similar to that indicated in telegram No. 5, January 9, in connection with proposed loan for the Rhine-Ruhr Water Service Union. |
901 |
| Feb. 16 (31) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that the Beratungsstelle does not have jurisdiction over the proposed loan mentioned in telegram No. 14, February 14. (Footnote: Transmittal to Messrs. Hornblower, Miller & Garrison, February 17, of a letter similar to letter of January 23 to the same firm.) |
902 |
| May 11 (56) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Receipt from Blair and Company of inquiry whether, in order to obtain consideration by the Beratungsstelle of their bids for proposed loan to East Prussia, they may accompany bids with a statement that they are conditional upon nonobjection by the Department of State; instructions to inquire concerning regulations of the Beratungsstelle. Request to be advised meaning of approval “in principle” by the Beratungsstelle of a Speyer & Co. loan to the city of Berlin. |
902 |
| May 18 (104) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that approval “in principle” of Berlin loan means that permission has been given to contract a loan whose exact amount has not been determined. |
903 |
| May 21 (108) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Understanding that approval of the foreign authorities concerned is not a condition precedent to consideration by the Beratungsstelle of a foreign loan project; information that the proposed East Prussia loan has not yet been presented to the Beratungsstelle. |
903 |
Restrictive Measures Against American Barley Imported Into Germany, Because of Alleged Injurious Effect on Animal Health
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Sept. 17 | From the Consul at Bremen (tel.) Receipt of information from Bremen Senate, Chamber of Commerce, and Grain Importers’ Association that animals have been poisoned after feeding with grade 2 American barley, and of request for immediate investigation and stoppage of further shipments of chemically regenerated barley. |
903 |
| Sept. 24 | To the Consul at Bremen (tel.) Cable from Department of Agriculture to Grain Importers’ Association (text printed), stating that shipments were inspected and graded and that chemical examination of official samples reveals nothing to cause sickness. |
904 |
| Sept. 26 (194) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Probability that Reichsrat will pass decree admitting American barley only after actual feeding tests. Information that German authorities intend to carry out scientific tests, and that they urge similar tests by American authorities and efforts of both Governments to bring about a direct meeting of exporters and importers with a view to a general adjustment. |
904 |
| Sept. 27 | From the German Embassy Possibility that German Government may be compelled to restrict importation of barley or impose temporary embargo; suggestion that barley be tested before being exported. |
905 |
| Sept. 28 (94) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Communication from the Secretary of Agriculture (text printed), advising that bacteriological and feeding tests are being made to determine cause of difficulty, and stating that there is no justification for possible embargo on American barley. |
905 |
| Sept. 28 (197) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Enactment by Reichsrat of decree providing that, effective October 1 to November 15, American barley (excepting Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado) may be admitted to commerce in Germany only after an examination showing its innocuous character. |
906 |
| Oct. 5 (202) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information that situation is growing worse, that absolute embargo may be laid down, and that German importers have decided not to take up documents on arriving shipments. |
906 |
| Oct. 5 (98) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to secure from German authorities further information concerning provisions of the decree and to point out that number 2 barley must meet U, S. Government specifications and that all export shipments are properly inspected and graded. |
907 |
| Oct. 6 (99) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to advise Foreign Office that U. S. Government views as a grave matter the imposition of restrictive measures without being fully apprised of sound scientific and technical grounds for the taking of such action. |
907 |
| Oct. 7 (100) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to submit opinion on the exact situation and to furnish such statistical material and facts as will suggest how seriously the matter may be regarded and if an absolute embargo or the present restrictions are justified. |
909 |
| Oct. 8 (205) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Report that feeding tests would seem to indicate that there is something wrong with the barley, and that results of official laboratory tests may be known in a few days; information that agrarian interests are pressing toward a complete embargo but that Foreign Office appears desirous of avoiding such drastic action. |
909 |
| Oct. 9 (101) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Receipt from German Embassy of report that American consul at Hamburg has declined to certify under seal as to identity of particular shipments of American barley; authorization to instruct consuls to perform such certifications when samples are accompanied by full affidavits. |
911 |
| Oct. 12 (105) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Memorandum handed to the German Ambassador containing statement of U. S. position regarding present situation, and accompanying statement by the Department of Agriculture dealing with technical and scientific phases (texts printed). |
911 |
| Oct. 23 (215) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Probability of complete embargo; information that agrarian interests are bringing such pressure on Foreign Office that it is now apparently helpless. |
914 |
| Oct. 24 (217) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Understanding that embargo will be deferred for the present and that scientific tests have so far failed to produce definite explanation regarding noxious character of the barley. |
914 |
| Oct. 26 (111) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Observation that imposition of an absolute embargo might, without well-established scientific findings, lend color to the belief held in certain quarters that German Government’s action is more influenced by financial and economic factors than by scientific considerations; authorization for representations in this sense in case of an emergency. |
915 |
| Nov. 3 (229) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Confidential information from Foreign Office that danger of embargo seems past. |
917 |
| Nov. 7 (235) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Statistics concerning imports and rejections of grade 2 barley at Bremen and Hamburg. |
917 |
| Nov. 13 (238) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Extension of barley import restrictions to December 31. |
917 |
| Dec. 29 (4205) | From the Ambassador in Germany Further extension of restrictions to February 28, 1929. |
918 |
New German Regulations Restricting Importation of Foreign Motion Picture Films
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Dec. 17 (130) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Request of Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association for assistance in connection with protest against new German regulations governing importation of foreign films; instructions to investigate and submit recommendations for possible representations. |
918 |
| Dec. 21 (260) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Doubt that strong case for formal protest can be made; suggestion for informal efforts and for united agreement among the chief American film companies upon a common attitude. |
919 |
| Dec. 22 (4198) | From the Ambassador in Germany German decree, December 11, regulating film importations (text printed). |
919 |
| Dec. 26 (134) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to protest retroactive nature of the decree in its effect on companies such as United Artists. |
922 |
| Dec. 28 (263) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Suggestion that protest on behalf of United Artists would not be opportune in view of their pending negotiations with German authorities for adjustment of their status as affected by the new regulations and the fact that question of representations on behalf of all American companies has not yet been decided. |
922 |
Application of Article XIV of the Treaty of December 8, 1923 With Respect to Licenses for Commercial Travelers
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Aug. 31 (III A 3479) | From the German Chargé Request for statement concerning nonrequirement by the United States of the licenses and certificates for commercial travelers provided under article XIV of the U. S.-German treaty of December 8, 1923; willingness to issue cards of occupational identity to American commercial travelers who come to Germany without the certificate required in the treaty. |
923 |
| Oct. 26 | To the German Chargé Nonobjection to public announcement that foreign commercial travelers are not required to take out licenses, nor are they taxed for the right of carrying on business in the United States; request for statement showing procedure which will be followed in Germany in issuing cards of occupational identity. (Footnote: Receipt of German note dated July 29, 1929, containing the information requested.) |
925 |
Taking by Consular Officers of Testimony on Oath of Nationals of Country Where Consular Officers Reside
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Undated [Rec’d Aug. 29] | From the German Embassy Request to be informed whether or not an American citizen who has declared his willingness to give testimony before a German consular officer in the United States could be prosecuted for perjury if in such testimony he made a false statement under oath. |
926 |
| Dec. 26 | To the German Embassy Opinion that, because there is no U. S. law authorizing German consular officers to administer oaths, American citizens giving false testimony before them would not be liable to prosecution for perjury. Request for confirmation of understanding that German Government objects to the taking of depositions of German nationals by American consular officers in Germany. |
927 |
| 1929 Mar. 22 (VZ327) | From the German Embassy Adherence to opinion that no authority can be inferred for American consular officers to take testimony under oath from German nationals in Germany. |
928 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Germany for Reciprocal Free-Entry Privileges for Noncommissioned Personnel of Embassies and Consulates
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Jan. 25 (1895) | From the Ambassador in Germany Suggestion for proposal to German Government that noncommissioned Embassy personnel be granted free-entry privileges; information that German Government now grants free-entry privileges to noncommissioned consular personnel. |
929 |
| Mar. 3 | To the German Ambassador Notification that upon request in each instance arrangements will be made for the extension of free-entry privileges to German noncommissioned personnel of German consulates. |
930 |
| May 17 (1482) | To the Ambassador in Germany Instructions to advise Foreign Office of U. S. willingness to enter into reciprocal arrangement for extending free-entry privilege to noncommissioned Embassy personnel, including domestic servants. |
930 |
| 1928 Jan. 6 | From the German Chargé Interpretation of the terms “consular officers” and “suites” as contained in article 27 of the U. S.-German treaty of December 8, 1923, in connection with proposed free-entry privileges for noncommissioned consular personnel; inclusion of excise taxes in the category of taxes from which imports by such persons are to be exempt. Request to be advised if this interpretation is shared by U. S. Government. |
931 |
| May 11 (3516) | From the Ambassador in Germany Foreign Office note of April 16 (text printed) stating that free-entry privileges for office and chancery personnel of the Embassy will be granted at once, but that such privileges may not be extended to domestic servants. |
932 |
| Nov. 17 | To the German Ambassador Nonobjection to interpretation of the terms “consular officers” and “suites”; declaration that, while consular officers and consular employees are not exempted from excise taxes by virtue of the U. S.-German treaty, arrangements could be made for exemption of consular officers by application of the most-favored-nation clause and article 15 of the U. S.-Spanish treaty of 1902. |
933 |
| Nov. 24 | From the German Ambassador Reservation of right to make further communication on the subject of interpretation of article 27. (Footnote: Receipt of further note from the German Ambassador, January 8, 1930.) |
935 |
| Dec. 20 | To the German Ambassador Information that a special reciprocal agreement has been entered into between the German and U. S. Governments whereby the noncommissioned Embassy personnel of the two Governments are to be accorded free-entry privileges; observation that domestic servants employed at the German Embassy in Washington will not be accorded such privileges. |
935 |
Representations by the German Government Regarding Special Tax on the Use of Certain Foreign-Built Boats in the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Jan. 8 | From the Secretary of the Treasury Opinion that the effect of section 702 of the Revenue Act of 1926, which imposes a special tax on the use of certain foreign-built boats, is not to impose a different tax on German merchandise than on American merchandise, and that the act does not violate the provisions of the U. S.-German treaty of December 8, 1923. |
936 |
| Nov. 29 | From the German Embassy Inability to agree that the special tax does not violate the U. S.-German treaty, and request for abolition of the tax. |
938 |
| Dec. 30 | From the Secretary of the
Treasury Adherence to conclusion expressed in letter of January 8; suggestion, however, that no objection is seen to bringing matter to attention of the Senate Committee on Finance. |
942 |
| 1928 Mar. 20 | To the Chairman of the Committee on Finance of the
United States Senate Transmittal of the special tax correspondence, with suggestion that, as section 702 of the Revenue Act may possibly constitute a violation of the spirit of the U. S.-German treaty, it may well be considered in connection with new legislation. |
943 |
GREAT BRITAIN
Proposed Arbitration Treaty Between the United States and Great Britain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 29 | To the British Ambassador Transmittal of draft treaty of arbitration extending arbitration policy enunciated in U. S.-British arbitration treaty of April 4, 1908. |
945 |
| 1928 Mar. 20 | To the British Ambassador Suggestions for changes to be incorporated in draft treaty in interest of uniformity of negotiations being conducted with other governments and to make it clear that the U. S.-British treaty of September 15, 1914, will in nowise be modified. |
947 |
| May 22 (1437) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain Proposal by British Ambassador that arbitration treaty of 1908 be extended by exchange of notes while the new treaties are being negotiated. |
947 |
| Oct. 17 (231) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information that suggestion for prolonging treaty of 1908 proved impracticable; instructions to inquire whether Foreign Office will soon furnish British Embassy at Washington with instructions. |
947 |
| Oct. 18 (223) | From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Report that Foreign Office is awaiting replies from the Dominions. |
948 |
| Oct. 30 (711) | From the Minister in Canada Expectation of Canadian Government that it will soon hear from British Government. |
948 |
| Nov. 28 (756) | From the Minister in Canada Canadian preference for settlement of Canadian-American questions by International Joint Commission established under Boundary Waters Treaty rather than by arbitration under the general arbitration treaty. |
949 |
| 1929 Jan. 21 (11) | To the Minister in Canada (tel.) Instructions to advise the Canadian authorities of U. S. opinion that the arbitration provisions of each treaty would operate concurrently and that it would be unnecessary to refer in new treaty to the special provisions in Boundary Waters Treaty for settling Canadian-American questions. |
950 |
| Jan. 30 (822) | From the Minister in Canada Opinion of Canadian Cabinet that boundary waters treaty, rather than any arbitration treaty with Great Britain, should cover all purely Canadian-American questions, and that the International Joint Commission should be mentioned in the proposed treaty. |
951 |
| Jan. 31 (3335) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Announcement to the House of Commons by the Foreign Secretary that, although further replies had been received from the Dominions, additional exchanges of opinion would be necessary before a definite reply was reached. (Footnote: Information that on October 8 the Department was informally advised that delay in replying to the American position was due to Foreign Office reexamination of the whole arbitration policy; also that no further communication on the subject appears to have been made by the British Government.) |
951 |
Negotiations for Convention Between the United States, Great Britain, and Iraq Regarding Rights of the United States and of Its Nationals in Iraq
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Aug. 16 | To Messrs. Breed, Abbott & Morgan, of New
York Suggestion that pending conclusion of negotiations between U. S., British, and Iraq Governments for convention to determine rights of Americans in Iraq, American firm in Iraq might consider it desirable, for reasons of business policy, to pay income tax. |
952 |
| Sept. 6 (3020) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Informal Foreign Office note, September 5 (text printed) advising agreement to all U. S. proposals amending draft convention, with exception of alteration in article concerning position of educational, philanthropic, and religious institutions, and setting forth Iraq assurances in this regard; request for instructions as to reply. |
953 |
| Nov. 30 (1616) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain Draft reply for Foreign Office (text printed), stating acceptance of Iraq Government’s assurances and readiness to proceed to signature of convention, subject to certain comments and understanding concerning the assurances, and transmitting revised draft convention. |
955 |
Claim of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey Against the British Government for the Destruction of Property in Rumania in 1916
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 July 10 (2888) | From the Chargé in Great Britain Foreign Office note of July 5 and enclosures (texts printed), presenting evidence and arguments denying validity of Standard Oil Company claim against the British Government for destruction of oil properties in Rumania in 1916. |
957 |
| Sept. 28 | From the Attorney of the Standard Oil Company of New
Jersey Decision to follow the Department’s suggestion to open negotiations with Rumania; desire that the Department inform the British Government and reserve company’s rights; request that American Minister at Bucharest be instructed to lend all possible assistance toward conclusion of a satisfactory settlement. |
980 |
| Oct. 11 (1577) | To the Chargé in Great Britain Instructions to notify Foreign Office of Department’s suggestion to Standard Oil Company regarding negotiations with Rumania and to reserve all rights and claims the company might have against Great Britain. |
981 |
| Oct. 11 (324) | To the Minister in Rumania Instructions to render every assistance to company’s representatives in negotiations with Rumania. |
982 |
Interpretation of Convention of December 2, 1899, and Merchant Marine Act of 1920 With Respect to British Commercial Rights in American Samoa
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 May 11 | From the Secretary of the Navy Inquiry whether negotiations relating to the preferential treatment of British goods imported into Western Samoa have reached a stage which would justify establishment by the Governor of American Samoa of a tariff preferential to American goods. |
982 |
| 1928 June 5 | To the Secretary of the Navy Hope that no action will be taken to establish a preferential tariff for American goods at a time when effort is being made to adjust U. S.-British difficulties in regard to these matters. |
983 |
Negotiations in Regard to the Administration of the Turtle Islands and to the Boundary Between the Philippine Islands and British North Borneo
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Mar. 7 (119) | From the British Ambassador Willingness to enter into negotiations on the basis of U. S. proposals of August 20, 1927, for the conclusion of a treaty definitely delimiting the boundary in respect of certain islands on the east coast of Borneo in conformity with treaty of July 10, 1907. |
985 |
| Sept. 21 | To the British Chargé Transmittal of names of American negotiators; request to be advised names of British negotiators and satisfactory date for beginning discussions. (Footnote: Notification by the British Ambassador, May 21, 1929, that negotiations would be entrusted to him; information that a convention was signed January 2, 1930.) |
986 |
Attitude of the United States Government Regarding the Holding by British Consuls of Naval Courts Upon British Vessels in American Waters
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Nov. 3 | From the British Ambassador Memorandum of October 29 inquiring whether U. S. Government would be willing to permit British consuls to summon naval courts in American waters and to recognize and give effect to the findings of such courts (text printed). |
987 |
| Nov. 14 | To the British Ambassador Information that decision of a naval court convoked in the United States by a British consul could not be accorded recognition or support by U. S. authorities. |
989 |
| 1928 Jan. 14 | From the British Ambassador Request for confirmation of impression that there is no objection to the holding of naval courts provided consuls do so on their own initiative and responsibility and without in any way invoking the aid of American authorities. |
990 |
| Jan. 21 | To the British Ambassador Opinion that U. S. Government would take no exception to the holding of British naval courts but that such proceedings would not be exclusive of U. S. jurisdiction in proper cases nor could any coercive jurisdiction be exercised off British naval vessels either on land or in U. S. territorial waters. |
991 |
Representations by the British Government Regarding Detention and Search of British Vessels in Delaware Bay and the Delaware River
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1927 Dec. 28 (728) | From the British Ambassador Representations against the Coast Guard practice of detention and search of British vessels bound for Philadelphia at points in Delaware Bay and Delaware River. |
992 |
| 1928 Feb. 8 | To the British Ambassador Information that boarding and examination of vessels have been performed impartially and without discrimination to British vessels; also that such action has been made necessary because of British and other vessels’ discharging liquor after entering Delaware Bay and during the voyage up the river. |
993 |
| Feb. 27 (102) | From the British Ambassador Observation that note No. 728 of December 28, 1927, did not allege discrimination against British vessels but merely drew attention to the serious loss of time and inconvenience involved in the Coast Guard practice, as well as the possible risk of grounding of vessels. |
994 |
| May 7 (201) | From the British Ambassador Request to be furnished full particulars of occasions on which liquor has been illegally discharged from British vessels. |
995 |
| June 6 | To the British Ambassador Information concerning seizures of British vessels carrying or having discharged liquor in the Delaware River. |
996 |
Proposed Special Commission To Deal With Claims Regarding Use by the United States Government of Inventions of British Subjects
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 Undated [Rec’d Jan. 5] | From the British Embassy Proposal for establishment of U. S. commission to deal with claims of British subjects for use of their patented and unpatented inventions by the U. S. Government during the war. |
997 |
| July 23 | To the British Chargé Reasons why it is not found possible to give favorable consideration to request for establishment of a special tribunal. |
1000 |
Antarctic Expedition of Commander Richard E. Byrd
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1928 July 11 | To the Consul General at
Wellington Instructions to approach the New Zealand Government in connection with the desire of Commander Richard E. Byrd that supplies and equipment for the forthcoming Antarctic Expedition be admitted free of duty. |
1001 |
| Aug. 24 (43) | From the Consul in Charge at
Wellington Information that customs exemption has been granted. |
1001 |
| Oct. 10 | From the Personal Representative of Commander
Richard E. Byrd Request for U. S. views toward the claiming on behalf of the United States of hitherto uncharted lands. |
1002 |
| Nov. 13 | To the Consul General at Wellington (tel.) Authorization to inform New Zealand Government of U. S. hope that it will render any practicable assistance to the Byrd expedition; instructions to advise Commander Byrd. |
1002 |
| Nov. 17 (526) | From the British Ambassador Information that the various British Governments will watch the progress of the Byrd expedition with especial interest; offer of assistance while the expedition is in the Ross and Falkland Islands Dependencies. (Footnotes: Excerpt from proceedings of Imperial Conference at London, entitled “British Policy in the Antarctic.” Information that note No. 526 was acknowledged on November 15, 1929.) |
1002 |
| Nov. 30 (592) | From the Consul General at Wellington Note from the Minister of Internal Affairs, November 26 (text printed) advising that the New Zealand Government was pleased to extend courtesies to the Byrd Expedition during their stay in that Dominion. |
1003 |
| Dec. 5 | To the Personal Representative of Commander Richard
E. Byrd Acknowledgment of request of October 10 and information that if the occasion should arise the Department will indicate its conclusions. |
1004 |