893.5034 Registration/7: Telegram

The Minister in China ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State

588. Department’s 237, July 16, 6 p.m.; Legation’s 585, July 17, 4 p.m. In mail despatch July 9th American Consul at Harbin reports that there are cases of several foreign nationalities pending in Chinese courts there. As yet no case has been dismissed on the ground of nonregistration, the court usually finding some pretext to remand such cases for later hearing. The National City Bank has three cases pending and the American firm of Bashkiroff and Company has one case. The latter firm has informed the Consulate that its claim filed in February last had been suspended until registration should be effected. Thomas confirms statement made to me yesterday by Japanese Legation that Harbin courts would proceed with hearing of cases provided foreign plaintiff corporation presents a letter from its Consul stating that said corporation is duly registered under the laws of its own country.

For the Minister:
Perkins