893.05/242: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
71. Legation’s 70, January 22, 6 p.m.96
- 1.
- In view of my departure today, senior interested Minister (French), called meeting of interested Heads of Legation to discuss [Page 325] draft agreement. Telegram containing joint views of foreign delegates had not been received, presumably on account of British Minister suddenly being called from Shanghai to Hong Kong by reason of the serious illness of his wife. British representative here was not able to be present on account of scarlet fever quarantine in British Legation. Those representatives present, French, American and Dutch, were of the opinion, subject to any possible modification of views which may be necessary for carrying out of the joint telegram from delegates, that the draft agreement should be approved as representing the best terms obtainable and as sufficiently protecting the interests of the International Settlement. They accordingly agreed to ask their respective Governments to sanction approval of the agreement.
- 2.
- I accordingly request the Department’s authority to instruct the American delegates, as representatives of the Legation, to sign the agreement on behalf of American Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. It is reported the Chinese delegates are extremely desirous to avoid delay. With a view to obviating the possibility of any reaction on the part of the Chinese toward a repudiation of the agreement, I request the Department to reply at the earliest opportunity.
Perkins