711.933/223: Telegram

The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State

Mayor of Canton has intimated that he expects consular officers to call first and formally upon him in connection with his assumption of administration of local foreign affairs.35 This is contrary to established practice and as there appears to be no occasion for any exchange of formal calls in this instance, consuls are inclined to evade the question by visiting the Mayor separately and informally when they have business with him.

I have the impression that the Mayor is acting under instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and may insist upon formal first calls with the intention of lowering consular dignity and creating impression amongst the Chinese that the powers have acquiesced in the abolition of extraterritoriality and other changes Nanking is now trying to bring about.

My colleagues and I do not wish to offend the Mayor but we feel that we should endeavor to guard our dignity and prestige as far as possible, and, as it seems probable this same question will arise in other ports, it is hoped the Diplomatic Body or our respective Ministers may offer suggestions as to some general form of procedure under the circumstances. Department and Legation informed.

Jenkins
  1. For correspondence concerning abolition by China of commissionerships of foreign affairs, see ibid., pp. 675 ff.