493.11/1527
The Minister in China (Johnson) to
the Secretary of State
Peiping, August 8, 1930.
[Received September
10.]
No. 376
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a
despatch No. 968, of July 28, 1930,53 entitled “Claim Against Chinese Government for
Property Destroyed by Rebel Army”, from the Consul General at
Canton.
Likewise enclosed is a copy of my reply of to-day’s date in which the
Legation gives expression to the belief that the destruction of property
by troops in revolt against the central authorities constitutes a valid
basis for a claim filed with the latter.
I have [etc.]
[Page 602]
[Enclosure]
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Consul General at Canton (Jenkins)
Sir: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt
of your despatch No. 968, of July 28, 1930,55 entitled “Claim Against
Chinese Government for Property Destroyed by Rebel Army.”
Let me inform you, in reply, that the Legation feels that a claim of
this sort, resulting as it does from the seizure of goods by lawless
elements, may rightly be filed with the duly constituted and duly
recognized local authorities of your district.
Should it become evident that a local settlement is out of the
question, the suggestion may be made to the claimant that the claim
be prepared on or substantially in accordance with the Department’s
form of “Application for the Support of Claims Against Foreign
Governments” for the examination of the Department and for possible
later submission to the Chinese Government as a formal diplomatic
claim.
Let me add that a copy of your despatch and of this reply are being
sent to the Department.
I am [etc.]
