893.05/168: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—9 a.m.]
834. My telegram No. 820, September 12, 8 p.m. Senior Minister is today addressing, in behalf of his interested colleagues, to Minister’ for Foreign Affairs a reply of which the substantial portion is as follows:
“In reply, I am desired by my colleagues, the interested Heads of Legation, to inform Your Excellency that whilst they remain agreeable to the opening of the proposed discussions at Nanking at the earliest date at which such discussions can profitably be held, they must point out that the proposal outlined in the latter portion of Your Excellency’s note opens fresh ground and requires, as Your Excellency will be the first to recognize, the fullest consideration by the interested Heads of Legation in consultation with their Governments before proceeding further. They do not therefore find it feasible to arrange for a beginning of the said discussions by the 23rd September next.
[Page 699]Your Excellency may, however, remain assured that the interested Heads of Legation are already examining the position in the light of Your Excellency’s note and they expect to make a further communication on the subject in due course.”