711.933/222: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—12:50 p.m.]
Referring to my telegrams of December 16, 4 p.m., and December 20, 11 a.m.,69 I have just received formal notice from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs that his office is to be closed on December 31, after which date all matters formerly handled by him will be under the direction of the “special municipal government of Canton.” Unless otherwise instructed, I shall insist upon my right to correspond and deal with the Governor and other high officials as conditions may require. Not to do so would result in serious loss of consular dignity and prestige which, in my opinion, is exactly what the Chinese are endeavoring to accomplish.
According to a letter from American missionary in Toishan district, idea appears to be growing among uneducated classes that Chinese Government will take possession of all American property on January 1 and that Americans and other foreigners will then become subject to Chinese courts.
Department and Legation informed.
- Neither printed.↩