793.003/233: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
1205. Following from the American Consul General at Shanghai
“December 28, 12 noon. The China Press carries the following from Shimbun Rengo, dated Nanking, December 27th, and published in slightly different form in other journals:
‘The Central Political Council which was held today, being presided over by General Chiang Kai-shek and attended by Dr. Wang Chung-hui who has recently returned to China from Europe, discussed the political measures for the abolition of extraterritoriality rights of foreigners and decided the following two points: (1) All foreigners residents living in China shall be subjected to Chinese laws promulgated by the Chinese Central Government or the Provincial Governments beginning from January 1st, 1930; and (2) the National Government shall promulgate procedure laws governing the foreign residents in relation to legal action.’
Regarding the above-mentioned decisions reached by the Central Political Council, a spokesman of the National Government is quoted as having stated:
‘As regarding [regards] the abolition of the extraterritoriality rights in China, there is an understanding to some extent between the United States Government and the Nanking Government and, under the circumstances, the Chinese can easily accomplish their legitimate aspirations should two or three other powers adopt a sympathetic attitude toward the Chinese. However, continued the Nanking spokesman, the abolition of extraterritoriality will be out of the question if the powers all unitedly oppose the Chinese aspirations. Be that as it may, we expect much from the understanding between the United States Government and the Nanking Government.’
Manifestly this has not been confirmed, though Reuter carries a very similar statement to the two points covered above.”
- Telegram in three sections.↩