393.1163/370
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Vice Consul at Tsinan (Clark)97
Sir: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 61, of October 1, 1929, in which you request the Legation’s opinion as to the advisability of missionaries referring cases of occupation of their premises direct to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While not desiring to lay down any specific instructions in the matter, I am of the opinion that you should interpose no objection if the missionaries concerned desire to take up such matters direct with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the National Government. On the other hand, you should at the same time give them to understand that such action on their part may have the effect of prejudicing [Page 480] your freedom of action in the matter, in which event it might be difficult for you to render as effective assistance as in eases brought immediately to your attention.
I am [etc.]
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Minister in his despatch No. 2372, October 11; received November 8, 1929.↩