711.933/180: Telegram

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

1047. Regarding Legation’s 1044, November 26, 6 p.m. Following from the Kuo Wen News Agency, Nanking, November 25th:

“Waichiaopu has instructed Dr. Alfred Sze and Dr. C. C. Wu to request the British and American Governments to appoint delegates before January 1st to discuss a method for the settlement of the extraterritoriality question.

The Ministry says that the National Government has decided to abolish consular jurisdiction on January 1st as this is essential to the existence and development of China as an independent and sovereign nation and that, while recognizing that China’s treaties with Great Britain and the United States still have several years to run, it shows that the two Governments will recognize the justice of Chinese demands and proceed to negotiate with the Chinese Government for a revision of the present anomalous situation.

According to reliable information Dr. Sze and Dr. Wu have been negotiating with the British and American Governments for some time and an early understanding is anticipated.”

Perkins