893.52/216: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:20 p.m.]
885. 1. My despatches June 21st and July 5th85 in regard to re-examination of title deeds by the Chinese authorities. I have received a further despatch from the American Consul General at Hankow enclosing a copy of a communication from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs concerning the general question of re-examination of title deeds and making special reference to re-examination of deeds held as security by foreign banks. It is requested that title deeds held by such banks be presented within a stipulated period, failure to do so involving penalties.
2. This demand appears to present a question of a somewhat different nature from that referred to the Department in the despatches mentioned above. It directly affects the National City Bank at Hankow whose compradore has deposited with the bank certain deeds as a guarantee. The Legation is withholding instructions to the Consul General at Hankow pending receipt of Department’s instructions with regard to the whole matter of the re-examination of title deeds.
- Neither printed.↩