893.05/221: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 30—2:45 a.m.]
1202. Legation’s 1190, December 27, noon. The Consul General at Shanghai, under date of December 28, 2 p.m., reports that the Director General of the Municipal Council called on him that day and confirmed what had been previously heard, namely, that if the Provisional Court should cease functioning at the close of 1929, the Municipal Council sees no other course available than to declare a state of emergency until a court is established. The plan is to confine major offenders but to allow the lesser offenders to be temporarily out on bail upon the deposit of a sum assuring their appearance. This official indicated calmness prevailed, but the Council has a well-thought-out plan for temporarily meeting an emergency such as may occur.