893.05/213: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Perkins)
426. Your 1173, December 20, 3 p.m.
1. The Department approves the joint telegram but desires to make the following comments.
2. Land Regulations and By-Laws.
It is believed that the formula adopted should provide for the incorporation of the land regulations and by-laws as they now stand into the body of laws enforceable in Chinese courts; and, to prevent a possible subsequent attempt by the Chinese to modify the arrangement by unilateral action, such formula as is adopted might well provide that changes in the land regulations and by-laws shall be made only with the concurrence of the rate-payers, the interested Legations and the competent Chinese authorities.
3. Scope of Jurisdiction.
The Department desires that it be kept currently informed of important developments in discussions under this head.
[Page 741]4. Procurator System.
The Department would see no objection to the procurator system in the Settlement, provided that the right of the municipal authorities to initiate criminal prosecutions in the court is fully preserved.