List of Papers
[Unless otherwise specified, the correspondence is from or to officials in the Department of State.]
CHINA
Continued Civil War in China; Intervention of Manchurian Forces on Side of Nanking Government and Defeat of Opposition in North China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Feb. 19 (38) | From the Minister in China Report that during the month of January the most important single element making for uncertainty in the politico-military situation was Yen Hsi-shan’s gradual assumption of independent control over all territory north of the Yellow River except Manchuria; statement of the forces under arms in China during the month; decision of the Government to collect customs duties on imports on a gold basis. |
1 |
| Mar. 26 (116) | From the Minister in China Summary of events during February: Tabulation of telegrams exchanged in a controversy between Chiang Kai-shek and Yen Hsi-shan; indication that Yen and the Shansi faction depend upon the Kuominchun for military support; information that Feng Yu-hsiang has taken up residence at the headquarters of the Shansi leader. |
3 |
| Apr. 17 (157) | From the Minister in China Report for March: Division of China into two camps, the South under Chiang based on Shanghai, and the North under Yen and Feng (commanding the Kuominchun), with Mukden under Chang Hsueh-liang remaining neutral; control of northwest Kiangsi by communists, and the Kan River region by bandits; recommendation by the Kemmerer Commission of Financial Experts that China go on a gold standard. |
7 |
| May 15 (202) | From the Minister in China Information that there was little fighting but much military preparation during April; statement of military forces under arms during April; prevalence of disorderly conditions in southern China. |
10 |
| May 23 (365) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that banditry and communism in the Yangtze Valley and South China are of as much concern to Nanking as are their adversaries in the North. |
13 |
| June 10 (257) | From the Minister in China Indication that during May the greatest danger facing Nanking lay in the rapid growth of banditry and communism; statement by Yen’s representative of the aims of the Northern coalition (extract printed); prohibition by Nanking Government of export of gold bullion and import of foreign silver coins. |
14 |
| June 11 (431) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Situation in the Yangtze Valley, where the Nationalist Government is struggling with groups of independent forces, and self-styled communist armies. |
16 |
| June 13 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who denied the reports of efforts at peace by compromise and stated that the purpose of the present Government is to put into effect Sun Yat-sen’s idea of a unified China governed from the center, with some local autonomy granted to the cities. |
17 |
| July 7 (549) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Protest by Yen to representatives of powers signatory to the Treaty of Versailles and to the U. S. Legation against activities on behalf of Nanking of German military advisers and against purchases by Nanking of arms and ammunition in Germany. |
18 |
| July 10 (230) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to participate in any discussion of possible measures to be taken on the basis of Yen’s protest. |
19 |
| July 10 (310) | From the Minister in China Summary of events in June, during which neither side gained a preponderant advantage in the civil war; decision of Yen to establish a Northern government in Peiping; attempts of both North and South to win to their side Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang; further spread of banditry and communism; table showing decline of value of the silver dollar. |
20 |
| July 12 (568) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Trans-Ocean Asiatic despatch from Berlin, July 4 (text printed), stating that trading in arms and munitions is forbidden by Germany and that the Germans acting as military advisers to Chinese factions do so against the wishes of the German Government. |
23 |
| July 14 (575) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that two American aviators are reported to be in the military service of the Nanking Government; request for instructions. |
23 |
| July 18 (240) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s opinion that the prohibitions imposed on U. S. citizens by Revised Statutes, Sections 4090 and 4102, are still in force but that their enforcement is vested in the U. S. Court for China; opinion, therefore, that pertinent information should be referred to the District Attorney at Shanghai. |
24 |
| July 20 (596) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Article from the propaganda organ of the Northern coalition (text printed) concerning the two American aviators. |
25 |
| Aug. 1 (25) | From the Consul at Nanking (tel.) Estimate that the early return of the Yangtze Valley to comparative order will depend largely upon: (1) the extent to which farmers are able to harvest their crops and (2) the ability of the military leaders to pay and maintain order among the troops after the present hostilities. |
25 |
| Aug. 15 (408) | From the Minister in China Summary of events during July: Lack of clear-cut victory on either side; continued aloofness of Chang Hsueh-liang; further communist and bandit activity; meeting of “Enlarged Plenary Session of the Central Headquarters of the Kuomintang of China”; arrival in Peiping of Wang Ching-wei, leader of left wing of the Kuomintang, for conferences with Northern leaders. |
26 |
| Aug. 29 (763) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Various reports concerning the future role of Chang Hsueh-liang, including a telegram from Mukden, August 28 (text printed), stating that Chang may send Manchurian troops into Hopei to occupy it for Nanking. |
30 |
| Sept. 10 (799) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Mukden: Information that Northeastern Political Council has assembled at Mukden to reconsider attitude of Manchuria toward the civil war. |
31 |
| Sept. 10 (348) | From the Consul General at Mukden to the Minister in
China Further information concerning the convening of the Northeastern Political Council at Mukden. |
32 |
| Sept. 12 (456) | From the Minister in China Report that during August the Nanking Government gained control of most of Shantung, and the Northern forces redoubled their efforts to gain the support of Chang Hsueh-liang. Information that the “Enlarged Plenary Session” had the active support of Wang Ching-wei; summary of a manifesto issued after the first formal meeting, August 7; list of names set forth in the general outline of the new government promulgated September 1. |
34 |
| Sept. 16 (818) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent to the Consul General at Shanghai (text printed) instructing him not to transmit a message for Wang Ching-wei to the Legation, pending the Department’s approval. |
37 |
| Sept. 17 (323) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Indication that the Department does not desire the Consul General to transmit the suggested message if it is of a political character. |
37 |
| Sept. 25 (852) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Reuter, Shanghai: Announcement by Chang Hsueh-liang that he is assuming control in North China to protect that region, and that his intervention had been delayed in order to arrange the details with Nanking. |
37 |
| Oct. 12 (521) | From the Minister in China Report of important changes during September: (1) intervention of Chang Hsueh-liang in North China, where he occupied the whole Tientsin-Peiping area; (2) disappearance of the new government which the Northern forces attempted to establish in Peiping; (3) military activities and important victories of the Nanking forces. |
38 |
| Nov. 17 (600) | From the Minister in China Report that during October the crisis has passed and left Nanking largely in control, with future progress depending to a great extent upon the character of Chiang Kai-shek; extracts from Chiang’s recent utterances which illustrate his personality; comments on relations between Chiang and Chang Hsueh-liang who are left in virtual control of the fate of China; increased attacks upon foreigners by communists and bandits. |
49 |
| Dec. 18 (680) | From the Minister in China Report of (1) the visit of Chang Hsueh-liang to Nanking, where, in a series of conferences, it became evident that he had wholeheartedly alined himself with the central authorities; (2) the fourth plenary session of the Kuomintang in which many reforms were charted. Comments on Chiang Kai-shek’s new orders for bandit suppression and on the onerous financial problems now facing China. |
58 |
| 1931 Jan. 12 (712) | From the Minister in China Information that during December interest was focused upon Tientsin, where Chang Hsueh-liang held many conferences with Shansi leaders; statement issued by Yen upon his departure from the country (text printed); account of the Army reorganization and of Chiang Kai-shek’s personal organization of a campaign to rid China of communists and bandits; report that the Government appears determined to abolish likin as of January 1, 1931. |
73 |
Measures Taken by the United States for the Protection of American Lives and Property in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 2 (3) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions issued January 1 by the commander in chief to the commanders of the Yangtze Patrol and the South China Patrol (text printed) giving procedure for applying for instructions in the event of occurrences not in accordance with present treaties in ports where no consular official is stationed. |
80 |
| Jan. 9 (28) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Shanghai, January 8: Opinion that the policy in regard to the protection of public utilities set forth in the Department’s 419 and 434 of December 18 and 30, 1929, is equitable; suggestion, however, that although the responsibility rests with the municipal police, the presence of a foreign naval vessel would have an excellent moral effect. |
81 |
| Jan. 16 | From the Chargé in China to the Consul General at
Hankow Reply to Consul General’s despatch of December 30 conveying Bishop O’Shea’s requests in connection with damages to mission property and the need for reinforcements to be sent to south Kiangsi. |
81 |
| Jan. 24 (30) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that the United Christian Missionary Society plans to send two women missionaries to Batang and desires to know present conditions in that area and the attitude of the Consul General at Hankow toward assisting them to obtain visas for their passports. |
82 |
| Jan. 25 (81) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 24: Telegram from Bishop O’Shea (text printed) concerning reinforcements for Kanchow; information that matter has been taken up with Gen. Ho Ying-chin, who is in charge of National headquarters at Hankow. For Hankow: Telegram sent to the Foreign Ministry at Nanking (text printed) requesting that steps be taken to permit the Americans at Kanchow to withdraw safely; instruction to advise Americans in southern Kiangsi to evacuate. |
82 |
| Jan. 29 (39) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Procedure which the Department considers would be reasonable for the Shanghai Municipal Administration to follow in securing the aid of foreign armed forces in the event of a situation with which it could not cope. |
83 |
| Jan. 29 (89) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 27: Report that the substance of Legation’s January 25 has been telegraphed to Bishop O’Shea with full concurrence. Message from the Foreign Ministry (text printed) stating that the provincial authorities have been requested to afford protection to Americans in Kanchow. |
84 |
| Jan. 29 (92) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 28: Statement that it would not be possible, with consistency, to issue travel passes for the two missionaries to proceed to Batang nor to aid them in obtaining visas for their passports. (Footnote: Information that on February 11 the Department wrote the United Christian Missionary Society advising that the two ladies not proceed beyond Chengtu at present.) |
84 |
| Jan. 31 (100) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, January 29: Report that the Ifung, a vessel of the American owned Yangtze Rapids Steamship Company, arrived in Hankow, January 28, with 40 uniformed members of the Chinese National Army aboard. |
85 |
| Feb. 5 (47) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement of principles in regard to the use of American armed forces in China for purposes of protection and with especial reference to the International Settlement. |
85 |
| Feb. 12 (124) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, February 11: Information that three American vessels have been fired upon by bandits 253 miles above Hankow and that a protest has been lodged with the military authorities. |
88 |
| Feb. 12 | To Mrs. Lucius O. Lee, Secretary, American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Boston Assurance that the Department will expect to be guided by the Board’s request that no claims be presented against China on its behalf without prior consultation; explanation, however, that the Department must reserve all rights in the matter. |
88 |
| Feb. 17 (11) | To the Minister in China Transmittal of Department’s letter to Mrs. Lee; and further instructions concerning claims. |
89 |
| Feb. 17 (916) | From the Consul General at Hankow to the Minister in
China Report that armed guards have been placed temporarily on American vessels plying between Hankow and Ichang; letter from the president of the Yangtze Rapids Steamship Company to the commander of the U. S. Yangtze Patrol, February 5 (text printed), expressing the view that the unarmed officers and soldiers of a friendly, recognized power cannot be put off U. S. merchant ships. |
89 |
| Mar. 2 (165) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, February 27: Information that Standard Oil vessels are being stopped and searched at Chenglingki to prevent exportation of rice from Hunan, despite orders issued by Hunan authorities exempting the vessels from search; request for instructions. From Hankow, March 1: Report that the U. S. S. Oahu has left for Chenglingki to investigate matters and stop interference with U. S. vessels. |
91 |
| Mar. 3 (166) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Hankow: Instructions to continue to press the appropriate civil authorities to have the exemption from search made effective. Opinion that it is an appropriate occasion to renew representations to Nanking against the search of U. S. merchantmen on the Lower Yangtze. |
91 |
| Mar. 4 (169) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, March 3: Report that Chairman of Hunan Provincial Government states that the search is to prevent the movement of communists, but that the soldiers say it is to prevent the export of rice. |
92 |
| Mar. 4 (83) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that renewed representations to Nanking would be warranted; suggestion that the Foreign Ministry be reminded that the Chinese Maritime Customs is the agency authorized by treaty to search U. S. vessels. |
92 |
| Mar. 6 (179) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, March 4: Assurances given to the commander of the U. S. S. Oahu regarding further searches of U. S. vessels. |
93 |
| Mar. 12 (190) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, March 11: Telegram from Bishop O’Shea (text printed) stating that all Kanchow soldiers are departing for Fukien, leaving southern Kiangsi defenseless, with communists waiting to enter Kanchow; request that Nanking be urged to order General Chin to leave one brigade in Kanchow. Telegram to the Foreign Minister (text printed) requesting that steps be taken to permit the Americans to withdraw. Suggestion that the Department consult with the Catholic authorities with a view to having the Americans at Kanchow withdraw. (Repeated to Hankow.) |
93 |
| Mar. 16 (198) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, March 15: Report of firing upon U. S. merchant vessels near Ichang. |
94 |
| Mar. 21 (207) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Hankow, Shanghai, and Nanking, March 21: Information that General Chin is being instructed to despatch troops to suppress communists, and that one detachment will be retained at Kanchow. |
95 |
| Mar. 21 | To the Reverend J. J. Burke, General Secretary of
the National Catholic Welfare Conference Suggestion that the missionaries in southern Kiangsi be instructed to withdraw as soon as possible, in view of conditions there. |
95 |
| Mar. 22 (214) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram to the Foreign Minister (text printed) conveying urgent request of U. S. citizen that help be sent to Kanchow, which is besieged by communists. |
96 |
| Mar. 25 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Reports concerning the safety of Kanchow. |
96 |
| Mar. 25 (219) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from the Foreign Minister (text printed) stating that Kiangsi Provincial Government is taking strong measures to suppress communists, and requesting that U. S. nationals remain where Government forces are stationed; renewal of suggestion contained in Legation’s 190 of March 12. |
97 |
| Mar. 26 (222) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, March 25: Report that an American vessel was fired upon 219 miles above Hankow and that the armed naval guard returned the fire. |
97 |
| Mar. 26 (108) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that the suggestion contained in the Legation’s 190 of March 12 was communicated to the Catholic authorities and that they are taking measures toward compliance. |
98 |
| Mar. 26 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Receipt of information that troops have been despatched to Kanchow and that the city is considered safe. |
98 |
| Mar. 31 (239) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent to the Foreign Minister (text printed) requesting liaison for the release of Miss Gemmell, reported captured by communists at Yuanchow, and other members of the mission, reported confined in Yuanchow, which has been taken by communists. |
98 |
| Apr. 2 (17) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Telegram from Changsha (text printed) stating that Miss Gemmell and Mr. and Mrs. Porteous have been abducted and held for $20,000 ransom each, and that Mr. and Mrs. Glazier are hiding in the district. |
99 |
| Apr. 5 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Advice that the secretary of the China Inland Mission stated that it would be inviting trouble to pay any ransom for the Porteous party. |
99 |
| Apr. 5 (14) | From the Consul at Nanking (tel.) To the Legation: Advice from the Kiangsi Provincial Government that delegates have been despatched to Yuanchow to obtain release of U. S. and British missionaries. |
99 |
| Apr. 7 (23) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) Information that Miss Gemmell has been released. (Footnote: Report by the Consul General at Hankow that $1,100 was paid to the bandits.) |
100 |
| Apr. 8 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Advice that the Consulate General is warning Americans at Shiuchow and Linchow of possible danger from advancing communists. |
100 |
| Apr. 11 (259) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Comments on banditry and communist disorders by the office of the Military Attaché, April 7 (extract printed). Suggestion that Department make situation known to mission boards with a view to having U. S. citizens withdrawn from exposed points; opinion that it is unreasonable to demand that the Government protect scattered groups of Americans at a time when it must concentrate its forces. |
101 |
| Apr. 16 (132) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that Department is communicating with mission boards concerning the advisability of withdrawing missionaries from exposed points. |
102 |
| Apr. 19 (952) | From the Consul General at Hankow to the Minister in
China Report on naval protection afforded to U. S. merchant vessels in Chinese waters. |
102 |
| Apr. 22 (141) | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Recent report from Canton (to Legation, Hankow, and Department) on peril of Americans at Kanchow; instructions to make representations to Nanking for rescue of this group. |
103 |
| Apr. 23 (25) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Request made to General Ho Ying-chin regarding Americans at Kanchow; uncertainty as to whether report from Canton is of a new situation or the one which prevailed four weeks before. |
104 |
| Apr. 24 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Report of two letters from Kanchow, dated April 6; information that Cantonese authorities will consider relief expedition if Kiangsi Provincial Government will cooperate; inquiry if Department has information later than April 6. |
104 |
| Apr. 24 (285) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent to the Foreign Minister (text printed) requesting information concerning present conditions at Kanchow. |
105 |
| Apr. 25 | To the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Reply to Consul General’s inquiry of April 24 that the Department has no information later than April 6. |
105 |
| Apr. 25 (289) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Legation is urging the Foreign Minister to instruct the Kwangtung and Kiangsi authorities to cooperate in bringing relief to foreigners in southern Kiangsi. |
106 |
| Apr. 25 (26) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Assurances from General Ho Ying-chin that communists will be exterminated and that Kanchow is safe. |
106 |
| Apr. 25 (291) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Explanation that Bishop O’Shea has not manifested any intention of withdrawing his group from Kanchow; memorandum of a conversation with Archbishop Constantini, April 10 (excerpt printed) concerning Catholic attitude toward missionaries in dangerous places. |
106 |
| Apr. 28 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Suggestion that Consul General at Hankow might ask General Ho Ying-chin if a message could be sent to Bishop O’Shea; fear that Chinese authorities do not know what is developing in Kanchow. (To Legation, Department, and Hankow.) |
108 |
| Apr. 30 (28) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of plan by Chinese authorities for suppressing communists and of assurances from Ho Ying-chin as to safety of Kanchow; agreement with Consul General at Canton, and information that action has been taken accordingly. |
108 |
| Apr. 30 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Efforts to warn and protect U. S. missionaries at Kweihsien, Kwangsi, in view of intention of Cantonese to attack shortly after May 6. |
109 |
| May 1 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who stated that no reinforcements were being sent to Kanchow. |
109 |
| May 2 (152) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Explanation to Father Burke of National Catholic Welfare Conference that missionaries remaining in exposed positions endanger lives of other U. S. citizens and create complications for U. S. and Chinese Governments; instructions to emphasize same considerations in conversations with Archbishop Constantini. |
109 |
| May 3 (29) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Statement by a Chinese official, Li Fong, that the Chairman of the Hupeh Provincial Government had instructed him to request that foreigners in Hupeh and south of Yencheng, Honan, withdraw to Hankow in view of plan for offensive action against Feng; advice that colleagues have been informed and that endeavor will be made to inform Americans. |
110 |
| May 6 (31) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Statement by the Chairman of the Hupeh Provincial Government that Li Fong had not been authorized to make representations on his behalf, and that he had advised that foreigners withdraw to Sinyangchow, Siangyang, and Ichang; intention, unless otherwise instructed, to advise U. S. citizens to withdraw to these three places or to Hankow. |
111 |
| May 8 (193) | From the Minister in China Information that a protest against the searching of U. S. vessels by Chinese armed forces was made to the Foreign Minister March 4; statement that the Foreign Minister’s reply of April 10 (text printed) is not considered satisfactory but that no further action will be taken unless the Department so instructs. |
111 |
| May 9 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Report that Cantonese are bombing Kweihsien almost daily; efforts to provide means for Americans to evacuate despite lack of any indication of willingness on their part. |
113 |
| May 13 (330) | From the Minister in China (tel.) (From the Counselor of Legation) From Nanking, May 12: Aide-mémoire from the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs (text printed) stating intention of National Government to stop and search all vessels entering or leaving the port of Tientsin for illegally transported arms and munitions which are to be treated as contraband. To Nanking, for the Minister’s approval: Note for the Vice Minister (text printed) pointing out that the Maritime Customs are the only authorities authorized to board and search U. S. vessels. |
113 |
| May 13 (331) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, May 12: Report that the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs has stated that Chengchow, Honan, will be bombed, that the Government requests Americans to withdraw temporarily, and that the Government will be responsible for damage to U. S. property. |
114 |
| May 14 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Advice that an armed guard has been promised to escort U. S. missionaries out of Kweihsien. |
115 |
| May 14 (332) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that no objection should be made to the proposed search of vessels at Tientsin. |
115 |
| May 14 (333) | From the Minister in China (tel.) (From the Counselor of Legation) From Nanking, May 13: Memorandum for the Minister from the Foreign Ministry (text printed) giving notice of aerial action at Chengchow and requesting Americans to evacuate; comment that no reference is made to responsibility for damage to U. S. property. To Nanking for the Minister’s approval: Note for the Foreign Ministry (text printed) explaining efforts being made to warn Americans at Chengchow and reserving the rights of the U. S. Government. Information that Americans at Chengchow are being advised directly by telegraph. |
116 |
| May 15 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Receipt of radio message that U. S. missionaries at Kweihsien prefer to remain in their homes. |
116 |
| May 15 (10) | To the Consul at Nanking (tel.) For the Minister: View that the Maritime Customs are the only authorities authorized to board and search U. S. vessels and that the National Government should be responsible for losses improperly inflicted; instructions to make representations accordingly. |
117 |
| May 15 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with Admiral Hughes, Chief of Naval Operations, who said that he thought it should be made clear that U. S. tolerance of search by authorized Chinese did not extend beyond the 3-mile limit, and agreed to telegraph the commander in chief of the Asiatic Squadron accordingly. |
118 |
| May 15 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Information concerning telegram sent by the Navy Department to the commander in chief. |
119 |
| May 15 (337) | From the Minister in China (tel.) List of reasons for the Minister’s opinion that the United States should not object to searching of vessels at Tientsin. |
119 |
| May 16 (344) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Instruction from the National Government (text printed) quoted in a note from the Foreign Office, April 23, to the effect that permits for shipment of military equipment to China shall not be valid unless stamped by the Chinese Legation in the exporting country and that otherwise shipments shall be dealt with as smuggling. |
120 |
| May 18 (348) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Swatow, May 16: Information that conditions in interior of district are chaotic and that U. S. women missionaries at Chiaying have been instructed to come to Swatow. |
120 |
| May 21 (355) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that representations have been made in accordance with Department’s No. 10, and that the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs said that it might be possible to place customs officers aboard naval vessels to make the searches. |
121 |
| May 21 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning methods of searching vessels at Tientsin. |
122 |
| May 22 (172) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Account of a conversation with Father Burke on May 17 from which it seems clear that Catholic authorities in Washington do not feel in a position to instruct colleagues in China; suggestion that Consul General at Hankow attempt to communicate with Americans at Kanchow to learn present situation and if and in what circumstances they would act in accordance with U. S. official advice to withdraw. |
122 |
| May 23 (360) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, May 22: Report that on May 20 a commercial vessel was fired upon 3 miles above Chenglingki, and that the customary protest has been lodged. |
123 |
| May 24 (367) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from the commander in chief of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet, April 23 (text printed), agreeing with the Minister that Americans should be discouraged from going to Kuling since it would be impracticable to afford protection with naval forces. |
123 |
| May 27 (34) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Account of bandit activities over large section of that part of China, and of steps taken to advise Americans. |
124 |
| June 1 (392) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Kankow, May 31: Report of firing by communist soldiers on U. S. commercial vessel at Hosueh on May 28. |
124 |
| June 2 (395) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, May 30: Account of bandit attack on Whangpoo Conservancy pay boat on May 29. |
125 |
| June 4 (402) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, June 3: Report of available military information, and of action taken to advise Americans to leave Nanking district north of Yangtze. Legation’s approval of action taken. |
125 |
| June 4 (404) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinanfu, June 3: Military situation in Tsinanfu, and decision of Consuls to request respective Legations to communicate with both sides in regard to safety measures. Report of requests made to the Government and to Marshal Yen for protection of Americans. |
126 |
| June 5 (407) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinanfu, June 4: Information that Americans are being advised to leave as Yen’s troops approach. |
127 |
| June 5 (35) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Departure of Government troops from Changsha and approach of communist forces; report that many foreigners have left for temporary refuge and that the U. S. S. Luzon is proceeding to Changsha. |
127 |
| June 6 (37) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Steps taken to obtain the release of Reverend Clifford J. King, who was captured by bandits in southern Honan on June 1. |
128 |
| June 6 (410) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation with the British, German, and Japanese diplomatic representatives in regard to the situation at Tsinanfu. |
128 |
| June 6 (185) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to use every effort to obtain release of Mr. King. |
129 |
| June 7 (415) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that the Consul at Nanking is being instructed to make representations in regard to the early release of Mr. King. |
129 |
| June 7 (418) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, June 6: Discussion of the safety of Americans at Tsinanfu with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, who said that the matter had been taken up with Chiang Kai-shek by telegraph. |
129 |
| June 7 (39) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Receipt of formal notice of Government blockade of Siang River. |
130 |
| June 9 (422) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Amoy, June 8: Statement by Kulangsu municipal council that protection should no longer rest with the council but with interested powers; opinion of consular corps that naval protection is desirable. Information that Legation is requesting commander in chief to afford naval protection, that British Minister has taken similar action, and that a Japanese warship has already arrived. |
130 |
| June 9 (424) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on the situation at Amoy by the Kulangsu foreign chief of police, May 27 (text printed). |
131 |
| June 10 (428) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Foochow: Report that Foochow is now quiet after battle on June 7–8. |
131 |
| June 10 (984) | From the Consul General at Hankow to the Minister in
China Occupation of the Lutheran United Mission of Sinyangchow, Honan, by army units; opinion that such action will continue unless representations to the National Government can bring forth some new method of protection. |
132 |
| June 11 (985) | From the Consul General at Hankow to the Minister in
China Attack upon the Lutheran Brethren Mission at Tsaoyang, Hupeh, by Government troops endeavoring to find quarters; representations to General Ho Ying-chin. |
132 |
| June 12 (253) | From the Minister in China Despatch from the Consul General at Hankow, April 18 (text printed), inquiring as to the propriety of continuing at frequent intervals to make representations for the protection of U. S. oil products on consignment with Chinese agents, or whether representations should be confined to reporting conditions and stating that U. S. property appears to be endangered; and reply, June 12 (text printed), stating that the latter course is proper. |
133 |
| June 13 (439) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, May 27: Assurances by Ho Ying-chin as to the safety of Americans in Kanchow; report of efforts being made to carry out suggestion in Department’s 172 of May 22. To Hankow: Inquiry as to further suggestions of measures for protection of Americans at Kanchow. |
134 |
| June 16 (49) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Information that Mr. King has been rescued from bandits by local garrison at Loshan. |
135 |
| June 16 (102) | From the Consul at Tsinan to the Minister in
China Statement that most Americans have left Tsinan, Taian, Tsining, Tenghsien, and Weihsien on the advice of the Consulate. |
135 |
| June 17 (450) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, June 15: Inability to offer further suggestions as to means of relief for Americans at Kanchow, since they have more than once been advised to withdraw. |
136 |
| June 20 (204) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Reference to the situation at Amoy; assumption that the Legation has in mind at all times the possible necessity of instructing consular officials or requesting the despatch of naval vessels to protect U. S. consular officials or other citizens. |
136 |
| June 24 (490) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinanfu, June 23: Intention of Government troops to withdraw; inquiry as to whether it would be possible to ask Shansi military authorities to enter Tsinanfu only after withdrawal of the Government forces. |
136 |
| June 25 (501) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Tsinanfu: Account of steps taken to have Shansi forces protect foreign nationals; advice that it is not considered advisable to make any specific request in that regard. |
137 |
| June 27 (510) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Foochow: Report that 36 Americans are unable to evacuate from the territory of Lu Hsing-pang, who has joined the Northern Coalition. |
137 |
| June 30 (522) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Reply to Department’s No. 204 of June 20, with information that the Barker is at Amoy to protect U. S. citizens. |
138 |
| July 1 (523) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that on June 29 the commander in chief directed the Barker to proceed to Foochow and to report on conditions there. |
138 |
| July 1 (524) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report of abuse of two U. S. missionaries in Suiping by a local political organization. |
139 |
| July 2 (298) | From the Minister in China Indications that Bishop O’Shea has refused permission to certain priests to return to places considered dangerous. |
139 |
| July 2 (223) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to protest against Suiping incident to military authorities now in control and to Nanking, since the political group responsible is a branch of the Kuomintang; inquiry as to whether Americans in Honan have attempted to leave and whether steps have been taken to that end. |
140 |
| July 3 (537) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Instruction by the commander in chief, July 1 (text printed), for the destroyers of the South China Patrol to visit Foochow, Amoy, and Swatow. |
140 |
| July 5 (543) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Foochow, July 2 and 3: Suggestion that Legation urge Peiping representative of Northern Coalition to instruct Lu to facilitate departure of Americans from his territory. Information that action is being taken according to Foochow’s request. |
141 |
| July 6 (544) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 5: Report that all Americans left Yochow July 3 preceding its occupation by communist forces, and that the Guam was fired on near Yochow on July 4. |
141 |
| July 7 (548) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Hankow: Concern regarding Americans in Hunan and upper river points since the occupation of Yochow; request for advice. |
142 |
| July 7 (77) | To the Chargé in Japan Instructions to express appreciation to the Japanese Government for the aid rendered to U. S. citizens by Japanese naval officers at the time of the capture of Hwangshihkang by so-called communists on June 13. |
142 |
| July 8 (553) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Intention to invite attention of the Foreign Minister to the danger to Americans in the Yangtze Valley from communists, and to request energetic measures for their protection. |
143 |
| July 9 (556) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 8: Advice that protest concerning Suiping incident has been made to Hankow headquarters and that Americans in interior Hupeh and southern Honan have been advised to withdraw. Report that a protest concerning Suiping incident was sent to Foreign Minister on July 5. |
143 |
| July 9 (558) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication from the commander of the Yangtze Patrol to vessels under his command (text printed) stating that missionaries remaining in remote posts are exposing themselves to serious dangers, and giving instructions to inform consular officers and nearby missionaries. |
144 |
| July 9 (229) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of note proposed in Legation’s 553 of July 8; suggestion that in communications to the Chinese Government the term “communist” be avoided or qualified. |
144 |
| July 10 (561) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 9: Information that communists have retired from Yochow, thus averting danger of cut-off of up-country communications; explanation that Hunan, Hupeh, Kiangsi, and Honan are bandit infested and that the situation is known to the Americans who choose to reside there; intention, however, to circularize them, stating attitude of Consulate General. Advice that Legation is approving proposed circular. |
145 |
| July 10 (562) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 9: Telegram from the head of the Lutheran United Mission concerning the Suiping incident (text printed). |
145 |
| July 12 (567) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 11: Promise of Gen. Ho Ying-chin, who is in charge of Hankow headquarters, to instruct the Suiping magistrate to investigate Suiping incident and punish guilty persons. |
146 |
| July 15 (577) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement concerning the Suiping incident by one of the missionaries attacked (extract printed); letter from a missionary at Suifu concerning increasing attacks on foreigners in Szechuan (extract printed). |
146 |
| July 16 (326) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of copy of note to the British Minister expressing appreciation for the aid rendered to Americans by the commander of H. B. M. S. Cricket and by the British Consul at Changsha when the Government troops withdrew from that city in June. |
147 |
| July 18 (587) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Foochow, July 17: Arrangements to go to Yenping with a launch to bring Americans out of Lu’s territory; advice that both sides have promised safe conduct. |
148 |
| July 19 (593) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report that U. S. missionaries again evacuated Yochow on July 16. |
148 |
| July 21 (600) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, July 15: Report that a Standard Oil Company launch was held up and looted by bandits near Soochow on July 9 and that protest has been made; comment that incident illustrates degree of protection afforded by the Government in a district where it has control. |
148 |
| July 21 (185) | To the Minister in China Opinion that it is permissible for the American Consuls at Tsingtao and Tientsin to give advance notice of visits of U. S. naval vessels as requested by the local authorities, but that there should be no implication of impairment of U. S. treaty rights. |
149 |
| July 25 (614) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Foochow, July 24: List of Americans who could not be brought out of Lu’s territory; information that others are now safe at Foochow. |
149 |
| July 28 (625) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 27: Report on communist activities in Changsha area; assertion that naval authorities are prepared to evacuate foreigners at Changsha. |
150 |
| July 29 (627) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 28: Information that all Americans at Changsha are safe on board U. S. S. Palos except three who refused protection, and that communists are now in control of city. |
150 |
| July 29 (62) | From the Consul at Hankow (tel.) Report of looting and burning in Changsha; estimate of value of U. S. property in the city. |
151 |
| July 29 (628) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Palos: Report on situation at Changsha. |
151 |
| July 29 (630) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinanfu: Request by U. S. missionary at Taian that representations be made to stop bombing of Taian by Nanking forces. To Tsinanfu: Telegram sent to the Consul at Nanking setting forth representations to be transmitted to the Foreign Ministry (texts printed); instruction to endeavor to have Americans at Taian withdraw. |
152 |
| July 30 (632) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Information that 419 Americans in Honan, Hunan, Hupeh, and Kiangsi have been warned by circular letter. To Hankow: Instruction to circularize Americans again in view of increasing danger. |
153 |
| July 30 (637) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 29: Opinion that, in view of surprise nature of attacks on Yochow and Changsha, an American destroyer or large unit should be stationed at Hankow until conditions improve. (Commander in chief informed.) |
154 |
| July 31 (638) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Palos: Report on continued looting and burning of Changsha. |
154 |
| July 31 (640) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note sent to Foreign Minister (text printed) requesting that action be taken to relieve Changsha and to protect the two Americans yet there, and reserving U. S. rights regarding losses. Advice that the Consul at Hankow is being instructed to make similar representations to the local authorities. |
156 |
| July 31 (641) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Palos: Opinion that most communists have left Changsha; report of exchange of fire with slight damage to Palos. |
157 |
| Aug. 1 (128) | From the Chargé in Japan (tel.) Report that Japan has offered to cooperate with the National Government to prevent the capture and looting of Hankow, and that additional Japanese forces have been ordered to Hankow. (Copy to Peiping.) |
157 |
| Aug. 1 (647) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 30: Information concerning Changsha from Americans arriving from that city; possibilities of danger to Hankow. (Commander in chief informed.) |
158 |
| Aug. 1 (648) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication from Reuter, Hankow, July 31 (text printed) regarding precautions being taken in and near Hankow. |
158 |
| Aug. 1 (649) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, July 31: Statement by a Chinese Army officer that aid is being rushed to Changsha and that he is confident of the local situation; continued opinion, however, that U. S. naval forces at Hankow should be augmented; intention of sending representative of Consulate to Changsha as soon as conditions permit. Advice that Legation is approving despatch of representative to Changsha. |
159 |
| Aug. 2 (259) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of action set forth in Legation’s 640 of July 31. |
159 |
| Aug. 2 (260) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Japanese Embassy has informed the Department of demand that the National Government take effective measures, but not of offer to initiate common action or of ordering of additional forces to Hankow. |
160 |
| Aug. 2 (653) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication from the commander in chief, July 31 (text printed), expressing opinion that there is adequate naval protection at Hankow. |
160 |
| Aug. 3 (661) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report that communists still hold Changsha; list of foreign naval vessels in Hankow; and advice that Americans in Kuling have been warned to withdraw. |
160 |
| Aug. 4 (663) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, August 3: Telegram for the Legation from the Foreign Ministry, August 2 (text printed), advising that the Government forces are leaving Kanchow, requesting that Americans be advised to leave, and stating that otherwise the Government will assume no responsibility. (Repeated to Hankow.) |
161 |
| Aug. 4 (665) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 2: Information that representations concerning Changsha situation have been made to Ho Ying-chin. |
161 |
| Aug. 4 (667) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Palos, August 4: Indications that Government forces may attempt to retake Changsha shortly. |
162 |
| Aug. 5 (668) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 4: Information that advice to withdraw has been telegraphed to Bishop O’Shea, and that he has been asked to notify other Americans in Kanchow. |
162 |
| Aug. 6 (670) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 5: Information that Changsha is reported retaken by Government forces and that National reinforcements have arrived in Hankow. |
162 |
| Aug. 6 (264) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Account of a conversation with the British Ambassador who inquired as to possibilities of international cooperation in case Hankow is seized by communists; request for opinion on the subject; desire also for estimate by Consulate General at Hankow regarding the situation there. |
163 |
| Aug. 6 (673) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication from the commander in chief, August 4, reporting on situation at Changsha (text printed). |
164 |
| Aug. 8 (682) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 7: Report of much uneasiness in Hankow despite augmented garrison. |
164 |
| Aug. 8 (684) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that there is no immediate need for an arrangement for international cooperation at Hankow and that there is no need for special instructions at present. |
164 |
| Aug. 10 (73) | From the Consul at Hankow (tel.) Indications that U. S. mission property in Changsha is considerably damaged but that business property has suffered less. |
165 |
| Aug. 11 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Telegram from Father McGillicuddy (text printed) stating that he and 11 others have arrived at Shiuchow but that Bishop O’Shea and other foreigners in Kanchow are in imminent danger. Advice to priests to leave Shiuchow for Canton: efforts in behalf of Bishop O’Shea despite fear that little can be done. (Legation and Hankow informed.) |
166 |
| Aug. 13 (694) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 11: Estimate of the Hankow situation as requested in Department’s 264, August 6. |
166 |
| Aug. 14 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Report that Father McGillicuddy and party have reached Canton and that they say Bishop O’Shea insists upon remaining in Kanchow until authorities admit they are not able to give protection; information that Cantonese authorities are urging that troops remain at Kanchow. |
168 |
| Aug. 14 (695) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 13: Suggestion that Legation might request Foreign Ministry to arrange for Bishop O’Shea and other foreigners to withdraw with National troops. To Nanking: Communication to be presented to Foreign Ministry (text printed) requesting that Americans be allowed to leave with troops. |
169 |
| Aug. 15 (272) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to whether Legation’s protection plans for Hankow include merely evacuation of Americans or the participation of U. S. forces in police work; statement of Department’s attitude. |
169 |
| Aug. 15 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State President’s approval of Department’s telegram No. 272, and statement of his opinion regarding future of China. |
170 |
| Aug. 15 (701) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsinanfu, August 14: Report that Tsinanfu is being bombed by Government aircraft; request that Legation suggest that city be considered outside zone of operations. Information that Consul at Nanking has been asked to discuss matter with Foreign Office. |
171 |
| Aug. 15 (702) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Inquiry whether any special data should be included in the report of the Consul who is leaving for Changsha. Legation’s reply in the negative. |
172 |
| Aug. 15 (704) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Total numbers of foreign troops now stationed at Shanghai. |
172 |
| Aug. 16 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Opinion of Cantonese authorities that Government troops have already left Kanchow; advice that under the circumstances nothing more can be done through the Cantonese for the Americans yet there. |
172 |
| Aug. 18 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Information that Consul at Yunnan has been asked to take up matter of commandeering of two Standard Oil Company lighters and cargoes by Yunnanese forces. |
173 |
| Aug. 18 (715) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking: Assurance from Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs that military authorities have already been asked to give due protection to foreign life and property in Tsinanfu. |
173 |
| Aug. 19 (278) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Desire that the Consul proceeding to Changsha be instructed to examine into degree of responsibility of the Chinese Government for the damages done. |
174 |
| Aug. 21 (730) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, August 17: Note from the Foreign Ministry stating that the U. S. missionaries at Kanchow refused to evacuate with the troops. From Hankow, August 19: Effort made August 15 on behalf of Americans in Kanchow. Opinion that no further action can be taken at present. |
174 |
| Aug. 22 (738) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statements from the commander in chief and the Consulate General at Hankow concerning the protection of Hankow and what measures should be included; opinion that present instructions are still sufficiently broad. |
175 |
| Aug. 25 (743) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 21: Telegrams from U. S. missionary at Anjenki, Kiangsi (texts printed), reporting that Government troops are now occupying and destroying mission property; information that protests have been made to Governor of Kiangsi and to Ho Ying-chin. To Hankow: Opinion that action taken is all that is necessary and proper. |
177 |
| Aug. 25 (745) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 21: Favorable effects created by augmentation of foreign naval forces at Hankow. |
177 |
| Aug. 26 (425) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of copy of a letter dated August 19 from the German Minister, expressing appreciation for services rendered by U. S. naval vessels during the communist occupation of Changsha. |
178 |
| Aug. 27 (755) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 26: Report that American and other foreign vessels are being fired upon above Kiukiang by communists and that Government is apparently making no effort to stop them. |
178 |
| Aug. 27 (757) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Bombing of Peiping by two Nationalist planes; request that War Department be informed. |
179 |
| Aug. 27 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Advice that Standard Oil Company lighters are still being held by Yunnanese forces; suggestion that matter be taken up with Foreign Minister at Nanking. |
179 |
| Aug. 28 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Information that the Standard Oil Company’s property at Nanning has been looted and that Yunnanese are mounting guns on all oil lighters; urgent request that the Legation impress upon the Foreign Minister seriousness of the situation. |
179 |
| Aug. 28 (758) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from the chief of Yen Hsi-shan’s Diplomatic Bureau to the Senior Minister, August 27 (text printed), requesting that the diplomatic corps protest to Nanking against the bombing of Peiping; intention neither to acknowledge nor to make any protest. |
180 |
| Aug. 28 | Memorandum by the Consul at Hankow Report of investigation at Changsha. |
180 |
| Aug. 29 (765) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Legation’s request to Foreign Ministry to take steps to bring the Yunnanese forces under control and to protect U. S. life and property. |
184 |
| Sept. 2 (775) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 30: Information that U. S. claims for losses at Changsha are being presented; inquiry as to whether local remedies should be exhausted before having claimants fill in formal diplomatic claim. Opinion that claims cannot be settled locally and that diplomatic claims should be filled in at once; request for Department’s views. |
184 |
| Sept. 4 (309) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Concurrence in Legation’s suggestion set forth in its No. 775 of September 2. |
185 |
| Sept. 5 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Report that Standard Oil Company lighters have reached Wuchow from Nanning with company employees and missionaries aboard. |
185 |
| Sept. 5 (781) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 4: Report that situation at Changsha is still acute. |
185 |
| Sept. 7 (788) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 6: Report on military situation in the area. |
186 |
| Sept. 10 (79) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report that conditions along the river approach a serious state. |
186 |
| Sept. 10 (L. 1055) | From the Consul General at Hankow to the Minister in
China Transmittal of copy of letter sent to British colleague expressing appreciation for services rendered U. S. citizens who evacuated Changsha. |
187 |
| Sept. 15 [81] | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Continued daily attacks upon foreign vessels by communists near Kiukiang. |
187 |
| Sept. 15 (252) | To the Minister in China Assumption that if operations against Peiping should appear to endanger U. S. life and property, the Legation will take same measures as those taken on behalf of U. S. citizens elsewhere. |
188 |
| Sept. 17 (820) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note from the Foreign Ministry, September 15 (extract printed), stating that the Yunnan Provincial Government has given instructions for the protection of foreign life and property. |
188 |
| Sept. 17 (83) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Exchange of fire between U. S. S. Luzon and communists near Wusueh. |
189 |
| Sept. 25 (85) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of incidents of U. S. and foreign vessels exchanging fire with communists near Kiukiang and above Hankow. |
189 |
| Sept. 30 (339) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s concern over armed exchanges; request that Legation and commander in chief seek information with regard to instigation, source, and objective of Chinese firing; and instructions to repeat to Hankow and Nanking for comments on facts and possible methods of reducing number of encounters. |
190 |
| Oct. 4 (89) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of two incidents of U. S. vessels on the Yangtze being fired upon and returning fire. |
191 |
| Oct. 7 (272) | To the Minister in China Department’s attitude toward Legation’s 253 of June 12 in regard to the protection of U. S. oil products shipped on consignment to Chinese agents in the interior; opinion that until the treaties are changed, no officer would be warranted in appearing to absolve the Chinese Government of its obligations thereunder. |
191 |
| Oct. 7 (90) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of firing upon U. S. S. Panay near Kiukiang. |
193 |
| Oct. 8 (887) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information requested in Department’s 339 of September 30 concerning armed exchanges; comments by the Consul General at Hankow and the commander in chief (texts printed) regarding the instigation of the attacks, and suggestion by the former that the number of the encounters might be reduced by having the movements of U. S. vessels on the Yangtze reduced to a minimum. |
193 |
| Oct. 10 (347) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the suggestion of the Consul General at Hankow for reducing number of encounters has been discussed with the Navy Department and that decision has been reached that solution should be found in conferences between the Minister and the commander in chief; instructions to act accordingly. |
196 |
| Oct. 12 (898) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Foochow, October 11: Report that only two Americans remain in Upper Min River territory. |
196 |
| Oct. 14 | From the German Chargé Expression of appreciation for the aid rendered German citizens by U. S. naval forces in the evacuation of Changsha. |
197 |
| Oct. 14 (91) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Letter from Reverend Bert N. Nelson (text printed) conveying demand for $300,000 (Mex.) ransom by communists who captured him at Kwangshan, Honan, on October 5; information that the case has been taken up with Ho Ying-chin and the Chairman of the Hupeh Provincial Government, and suggestion that it be taken up with Nanking. |
197 |
| Oct. 16 (907) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Consul at Nanking is being instructed to take up the case of Reverend Bert N. Nelson with the Foreign Ministry. |
198 |
| Oct. 16 (92) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Protests to local authorities regarding recent attacks on U. S. vessels on the Yangtze; indications of a real effort to suppress communists and bandits in Hupeh, Hunan, and Kiangsi. |
198 |
| Oct. 18 (911) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, October 17: Report that the case of Mr. Nelson was taken up with a Foreign Office official, who promised that everything possible would be done to effect Mr. Nelson’s release. |
199 |
| Oct. 18 (172) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Expression of dissatisfaction with the perfunctory reply of the local authorities regarding the abuse of U. S. missionaries of the Lutheran United Mission at Suiping in June; request for more definite action. |
199 |
| Oct. 20 (916) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Legation’s concern as to safety of Mr. Nelson, especially in view of recent murder of two British missionaries; suggestion that the Department inform the Chinese Minister of its concern in the matter. |
200 |
| Oct. 21 (96) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Information that 10 foreigners, including a Filipino Sister, have been captured by communist bandits at Kian, Kiangsi, and that matter has been taken up with Chairman of Kiangsi Government and local authorities. |
201 |
| Oct. 21 (1087) | To the Chargé in Switzerland Definition of withdrawal of protection from U. S. vessels engaged in smuggling opium in Chinese waters. |
201 |
| Oct. 22 (33) | From the Consul at Nanking (tel.) To the Legation: Information from the Foreign Ministry as to steps taken to effect the release of Mr. Nelson. |
202 |
| Oct. 22 (920) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, October 21: Foreign Ministry’s statement that Kian is held by bandits, that Government troops are en route to attack them there, and that U. S. citizens should be notified immediately to withdraw. Instructions to Nanking to urge that steps be taken for the release of the Filipino Sister held by bandits at Kian. |
202 |
| Oct. 22 (97) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Information concerning situation at Kian as reported by priests who were released for the purpose of raising ransom of ten million dollars. |
203 |
| Oct. 22 (923) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hong Kong: Father McGillicuddy’s concern for Bishop O’Shea and seven other Americans at Kanchow. |
203 |
| Oct. 23 (98) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Representations to Ho Ying-chin and the Chairman of the Hupeh Government on behalf of Mr. Nelson. |
203 |
| Oct. 24 (99) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Letter dated October 18 (text printed) from Miss Evenson (American) and Mr. Tvedt (Norwegian) who have been captured by communists at Loshan, Honan, and are being held for $400,000 ransom; information that Norwegian Consulate has been notified, and that representations have been made to Ho Ying-chin. |
204 |
| Oct. 24 (931) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 23: Information that it is impossible to telegraph Kian; opinion that Filipino Sister is the only American there. |
205 |
| Oct. 25 (100) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report that Miss Evenson has been released. |
205 |
| Oct. 27 (101) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Explanation of ransom arrangement whereby Miss Evenson was released, and of further ransom demands for the release of Mr. Tvedt and Mr. Nelson; continued efforts on behalf of Mr. Nelson and Filipino Sister Ramos. |
205 |
| Oct. 28 | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report that U. S. S. Luzon silenced a fieldpiece of the communist forces above Hankow on October 27. |
206 |
| Oct. 28 (L. 1078) | From the Consul General at Hankow to the Minister in
China Report of efforts to have a stop put to indiscriminate firing on U. S. vessels on the Yangtze; hope that troops now being despatched will take care of situation. |
206 |
| Oct. 29 | To the Reverend J. J. Burke, General Secretary of
the National Catholic Welfare Conference Request that the suggestion be transmitted to the missionary organizations concerned that the decision in regard to evacuation not be left entirely to their representatives in the field; explanation of the Department’s attitude. (Footnote: Information that a similar letter was sent to the Secretary of the Committee of Reference and Counsel of the International Missionary Council and that in each case the reply was that the information had been passed on to the organizations concerned.) |
207 |
| Oct. 30 (943) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 29: Information that, after persistent urging, the Chikungshan American school has been closed and removed to Hankow. |
209 |
| Oct. 31 (L. 183) | From the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Minister in China Note from the Finance Ministry (text printed) concerning new regulations for the guidance of revenue officers in stopping and searching vessels in Chinese waters; request that those concerned be informed. |
209 |
| Nov. 3 (106) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report that efforts are being continued in behalf of Mr. Nelson and Sister Ramos but that there are no encouraging signs at present. |
210 |
| Nov. 4 (379) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for information concerning report that vessels of the Yangtze Rapids Steamship Company are carrying Chinese guards on upper Yangtze. |
210 |
| Nov. 5 (107) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Indications that at least a serious attempt is being made to curb bandit activities. |
210 |
| Nov. 6 (574) | From the Minister in China Report of expression to the British Minister of appreciation for the action of the British Consul at Foochow in assisting Americans to places of safety. |
211 |
| Nov. 7 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Information from the Chairman of the Kiangsi Provincial Government that instructions have been issued to provide for an adequate escort for Americans who wish to leave Kanchow. |
211 |
| Nov. 8 (969) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, November 7: Assertion that there is no truth in reports of Chinese guards on Yangtze Rapids’ vessels. |
212 |
| Nov. 8 (111) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Telegram from missionaries at Sinyangchow (text printed) stating that Kwangchow, Honan, is endangered by communists, and requesting that the Government be induced to evacuate foreigners by airplane. Information that the matter has been taken up with Ho Ying-chin and the Chairman of the Hupeh Government. |
212 |
| Nov. 10 (112) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of firing on U. S. vessels on the Yangtze on November 8. |
212 |
| Nov. 12 (113) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Reply from Ho Ying-chin that there is no landing field at Kwangchow but that instructions have been issued for the protection of foreign residents. |
213 |
| Nov. 13 (115) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Information that Panay was fired upon above Hankow on November 12 and that there has been a revival of firing on vessels above Wusueh. |
213 |
| Nov. 14 (117) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of firing on U. S. vessels between Chenglingki and Shasi. |
214 |
| Nov. 14 (394) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Reservation of judgment in regard to proposed procedure for stopping and searching vessels; authorization to make reservation of U. S. rights. |
214 |
| Nov. 18 (120) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of firing upon U. S. vessels above Chenglingki on November 17. |
214 |
| Nov. 19 (121) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of firing on U. S. Naval vessel above Chenglingki November 18. |
215 |
| Nov. 24 (402) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for report on progress made in reaching understanding with the Chinese Government as to method of assessing claims for losses at Changsha and method of payment of such claims. |
215 |
| Nov. 25 (1000) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, November 24: Information from Mayor of Canton that local authorities have officially requested the U. S. missionaries at Kanchow to evacuate under escort but that the missionaries declined. |
215 |
| Nov. 28 (123) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Letters from Messrs. Nelson and Tvedt—one for Ho Ying-chin; renewed representations to Ho Ying-chin and the Chairman of Hupeh Government; suggestion that the case again be brought to the attention of the Nanking authorities. |
216 |
| Nov. 30 (1014) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, November 28: Note from the Foreign Ministry, November 27 (extract printed), regarding steps being taken for the safety of the missionaries in Kwangchow. |
217 |
| Nov. 30 (1015) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation with the Foreign Minister regarding Changsha claims; Foreign Minister’s statement that an investigation is under way but that he has not decided how to handle matter. |
217 |
| Dec. 2 | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Steps being taken by Chinese authorities on behalf of Mr. Nelson and Mr. Tvedt. |
218 |
| Dec. 5 [129] | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To Nanking, December 4, for the Minister: Telegram from Dr. Skinsnes at Sinyangchow (text printed) asking whether the Consulate General would advise making an offer of $3,000 ransom for Mr. Nelson and Mr. Tvedt; opinion that there is no objection to such an offer by mission. From the Minister, December 4: Concurrence in opinion. Information that captors have expressed willingness to accept $3,000 and that mission has despatched money by two servants. |
218 |
| Dec. 8 [130] | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report that the two servants were unable to get through Government Army lines, but that they are now going to Sinyangchow where it is believed arrangements can be made for them to reach Mr. Nelson and Mr. Tvedt, and that Dr. Skinsnes has been advised that, if he so desires, a consular officer will be sent to aid him in his efforts. |
219 |
| Dec. 8 | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Report of several incidents of firing on U. S. vessels. |
219 |
| Dec. 9 (132) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Information that Consul Clark is being sent to aid Dr. Skinsnes in effecting release of Mr. Nelson and Mr. Tvedt. |
220 |
| Dec. 9 (424) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to state that the Department would be willing for the Changsha claims to be treated in the same manner as the Nanking claims. |
220 |
| Dec. 12 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Reported danger of communist attack on Hoihow, Hainan, where there are 36 Americans; information that steps have been taken to send the U. S. destroyer Borie to Hoihow and that British colleague has taken similar action. |
220 |
| Dec. 12 (134) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Measures taken by Chiang Kai-shek for suppression of banditry and communism; report of exchanges of fire by U. S. S. Guam near Chenglingki on December 11. |
221 |
| Dec. 15 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Telegram for the commander of South China Patrol from the commander of the Borie at Hoihow (text printed) stating that there is no present danger. Information that Borie is leaving Hoihow but that British sloop will arrive December 16. |
222 |
| Dec. 16 (136) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Information that the two servan s sent from Singyangchow to effect release of Mr. Nelson and Mr. Tvedt have again failed to reach destination, but that another channel is now being tried, and that Consul Clark has returned to Hankow. |
222 |
| Dec. 20 (139) | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) To the Legation: Loss of oil by Standard Oil Company during communist occupation of Tsingshih, Honan, from December 1 to 9; exchange of fire by U. S. commercial vessel on Yangtze December 16 and 17. |
223 |
Interference by the Opposition Government in North China With the Collection of Customs and Salt Revenues
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Apr. 22 (L–61) | From the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Minister in China Information that Yen Hsi-shan is planning to float loans from foreign firms with the income of two Chinese railways as security; notification that no foreign loans will be recognized unless they have been approved by the National Government. (Footnote: Information that the Legation merely acknowledged receipt of the note.) |
223 |
| May 1 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who said that he understood Yen was attempting to seize the customshouse at Tientsin, and expressed the hope that the United States would not oppose the measures which the National Government proposed to take. |
224 |
| May 1 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Information from the Finance Minister that Yen is trying to get the Bank of Communications to hand over to him all of customs collections not needed for loan service, but that the Finance Minister has already instructed the Commissioner of Customs at Tientsin to transfer the collections to a foreign bank. |
225 |
| May 1 (296) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Newspaper announcement by Northern authorities (text printed) of the decision to retain the customs and salt revenues; report on present situation and possible outcomes. |
226 |
| May 2 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the British Minister in which it was agreed that the U. S. and British Governments could do little or nothing if the National Government should establish an effective blockade of the port of Tientsin, since that port is occupied by parties in rebellion against the recognized Government. |
227 |
| May 2 (299) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Superintendent of Customs, at the instruction of Yen, has directed the Bank of Communications to retain all customs revenues in excess of the 5 percent for loan service; comments on possible actions to be taken by both sides. |
228 |
| May 3 (302) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement by Finance Minister (text printed) that the attempt to seize the revenues jeopardizes the interest of all creditors of the Government, making it the Government’s duty to prevent such action. |
229 |
| May 5 (307) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Letter from the U. S. group representative in China of the Hukuang Railways loan banks, May 3 (text printed), pointing out the dangers to foreign interests in the interference with customs revenues and requesting that they be brought to the attention of the authorities. |
229 |
| May 5 (306) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Commissioner of Customs at Tientsin under instruction from the Inspector General directed the Customs bank to turn over to him all customs funds on hand, that the bank declined, pleading force majeure, and that the Commissioner is now assessing and collecting customs on behalf of the Central Government. |
230 |
| May 8 (315) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement by Yen’s representative in Peiping (excerpt printed) of Yen’s determination to retain the revenues and of his intention to protest any foreign interference. |
231 |
| May 10 (320) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Intention not to take any action unless instructed to do so; statement by Yen that all guaranteed loans will be respected. |
232 |
| May 12 | From the Consul General at Tientsin to the Minister
in China Information that the Commissioner of Customs is collecting the duties and depositing them in a British bank and that the Shansi officials are in a dilemma; possibility that a Shansi-controlled customs may be established. |
232 |
| May 23 (363) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that the Shansi faction now insists that whole of the salt revenue pass to its control. |
234 |
| May 24 (366) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from Consul General at Tientsin (extract printed) concerning Shansi proposal to establish an independent customshouse in the ex-German concession. |
235 |
| May 28 (377) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Letter to the Consul General at Tientsin from the Foreign District Inspector of the Changlu salt district, May 26 (text printed), asking the Consul General’s support in his request that Yen authorize remittance of the monthly quota in time to meet payment of the Hukuang loan coupon due June 3; intention to take no action in the matter. |
235 |
| June 12 (190) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that it would not be expedient to make representations to the Northern leaders. |
236 |
| June 13 (193) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to whether the Commissioner of Customs is at present collecting customs duties and remitting them to the National Government. |
237 |
| June 16 (448) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Shansi authorities have taken over the Tientsin customs, appointing Mr. Lenox Simpson (British) as Commissioner of Customs. |
237 |
| June 17 (459) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement by Yen’s representative in Peiping concerning the taking over of the customs (text printed). |
237 |
| June 18 (461) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tientsin, June 16: Report on the taking over of the customs; opinion that it marks the beginning of the disintegration of the customs service. |
239 |
| June 19 (465) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement by the Nationalist Minister of Finance regarding the seizure of the Tientsin customs (text printed). |
239 |
| June 19 (469) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tientsin, June 18: Information that Mr. Arlington (American) was asked to come in for an interview since he seemed to have been concerned in the seizure of the customs; report on Mr. Arlington’s statements regarding Yen’s future plans and the prospects of the new customs administration. |
240 |
| June 20 (473) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Newspaper report that the National Government has protested to the British Government and requested that Mr. Simpson be deported; notice to the Consul General at Tientsin from the Nationalist Commissioner of Customs that the Tientsin customs is closed, and assertion by the Consul General that for the present he regards Tientsin as a free port. |
241 |
| June 20 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Public notice by the Superintendent and the Commissioner of Customs (text printed) that the National Government is closing the Tientsin customshouse temporarily, withdrawing the staff, and will release cargo for Tientsin upon liquidation of all fiscal obligations. |
242 |
| June 21 (480) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Letter from Tientsin, June 20, repeated to the Minister at Nanking by the Counselor of the Legation (extract printed) requesting instructions concerning questions of entry and clearance of ships and in regard to a possible reopening of the customs by the Shansi faction, and expressing the opinion that Tientsin is now a free port but that duties would have to be paid to de facto authorities. |
242 |
| June 22 (481) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegrams to Tientsin, June 21 and 22, from the Counselor of the Legation, repeated to the Minister at Nanking (texts printed) approving attitude and inquiring as to interpretation of statement regarding free port. |
243 |
| June 22 | From the Consul General at Tientsin to the Minister
in China Clarification of position regarding free port and de facto authorities. |
244 |
| June 23 (207) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation with the Counselor of the Japanese Embassy regarding the Japanese proposal that the representatives at Peiping of the Washington Conference powers invite the attention of the Northern Coalition to the illegality of the measures they have taken, and then inform the National Government of their action; request for the Minister’s comments. |
247 |
| June 23 (486) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information received from the Consul General at Tientsin that Yen has agreed to the release of reserved funds for service of the foreign loans secured on salt revenue. |
248 |
| June 23 (487) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegrams sent by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Nanking (text printed) containing report by the Consul General at Tientsin on discussions at a meeting of the consular corps on June 21, and expressing agreement with the Consul General that a de facto customs organization functioning at Tientsin must be dealt with, and that a protest should be made against any assessment of Tientsin duties at Shanghai if followed by a second assessment at Tientsin. |
249 |
| June 24 (489) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Communication from the Senior Consul at Tientsin to the Senior Minister, June 23 (text printed), explaining National Government’s plan to collect Tientsin duties at other ports, and suggesting that the diplomatic body intimate to the National Government that unless they can control Tientsin they should not concern themselves with the customs functions there. |
250 |
| June 24 (491) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tsingtau, June 23: Information that local Commissioner of Customs has been instructed to collect Tientsin duties and issue clearance papers for Tientsin. |
250 |
| June 24 (493) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Minister at Nanking to the Counselor of the Legation (text printed) agreeing that customs at Tientsin should be dealt with as a de facto organization, but suggesting that Department be informed of views and of possibility that duties will be assessed twice. |
251 |
| June 24 (494) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Nanking (text printed) reporting on a diplomatic body meeting at which it was decided that draft protests for presentation to Nanking and Shansi should be prepared for consideration at the June 27 meeting, and requesting views prior to meeting. |
251 |
| June 25 (497) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Minister at Nanking to the Counselor of the Legation (text printed) suggesting that the matter of the responsibility of a consular officer for payment of customs duties by ships be referred to the Department. |
252 |
| June 25 (499) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Despatch from Tientsin, June 23, repeated by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Shanghai (extract printed) reporting on a meeting of the consular body at which the collection of Tientsin duties at other ports was discussed. |
253 |
| June 25 (500) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Shanghai (text printed) setting forth the report of the Consul General at Tientsin regarding the representations which he made at the request of the consular body to the Superintendent of Customs. |
253 |
| June 25 | From the Consul General at Tientsin to the Minister
in China Method worked out by the consular body for the continued functioning of the Hai Ho Conservancy Commission. |
255 |
| June 26 (212) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s attitude in regard to the several questions involved; authorization to join with other Legations in filing protests. |
256 |
| June 26 (505) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Despatch from Tientsin, June 25, repeated by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Shanghai (text printed) reporting on a meeting of the consular body and setting forth points of joint or identic representations to the National Government which it is believed would bring about a compromise solution. |
258 |
| June 27 (509) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Shanghai (text printed) setting forth the texts of notes to be sent to Yen and to the Nationalist Foreign Minister; request for authorization to concur in action. |
259 |
| June 28 (512) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Minister at Shanghai to the Counselor of the Legation, June 27 (text printed) expressing views as requested in Department’s 207 of June 23 and in telegrams from the Legation. |
260 |
| June 28 (219) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to concur in notes set forth in Legation’s 509 of June 27. |
261 |
| June 28 (221) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Substance of Department’s views as set forth in statements handed to the Japanese and Italian Embassies (text printed). |
261 |
| June 28 (515) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that there is no justification for protest to Yen but that action was agreed to in the interest of early joint protest to Nanking. |
262 |
| Undated [Rec’d June 30] (520) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Reuter, Nanking, June 29: Report that the Customs Administration has ordered the Chinwangtao customs transferred to Shanhaikwan to prevent its seizure by Yen. |
263 |
| July 1 (527) | From the Minister in China (tel.) (From the Counselor of the Legation.) Telegram from the Minister at Shanghai (text printed) questioning the argument used in the note to the Nationalist Foreign Minister. |
263 |
| July 1 (529) | From the Minister in China (tel.) (From the Counselor of the Legation.) Telegram to the Minister at Shanghai (text printed) quoting portions of a despatch of June 26 from Tientsin setting forth notice issued by the de facto Commissioner of Customs (text printed) providing that when duties have already been assessed only a deposit will be required, which will be returned upon proof of (1) payment at the port of first instance, and (2) unsuccessful efforts to recover. Inquiry as to whether Legation should instruct consular officers at ports of first instance to support claims of U. S. merchants for return of duties. |
264 |
| July 2 (534) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram sent by the Counselor of the Legation to the Minister at Shanghai (text printed) suggesting that action be taken in accordance with a despatch of July 1 from Tientsin (extract printed) explaining the situation of the Golden Horn and requesting that the Consul General at Shanghai be instructed to support the protests of the Golden Horn against any imposition of tonnage dues at Shanghai since they have already been paid at Tientsin. |
265 |
| July 8 (551) | From the Minister in China (tel.) (From the Counselor of the Legation.) Information that the Minister has authorized the Legation to instruct the consular officers at Shanghai and Hankow in accordance with Legation’s 534 of July 2. |
266 |
| July 8 (554) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tientsin, July 1: Indication that Tientsin regime has shown a disposition to respect all treaty arrangements in respect to dues and duties; report of compromise settlement being considered by the Natioral Government. |
266 |
| July 10 (560) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, July 8: Report that upon representations from the Consulate General a new certificate was issued to the Golden Horn without additional payment and the one issued at Tientsin was taken up. |
267 |
| July 12 | Memorandum by the Counselor of Legation in
China Assertion by the British Mi lister that efforts toward a compromise had apparently failed because of Yen’s attitude of unwillingness. |
267 |
| July 15 (576) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement issued by Tientsin customs July 14 (text printed) regarding the first transfer of foreign revenue to Shanghai and setting forth future procedure for such transfers. |
268 |
| July 17 | From the Consul at Tientsin to the Minister in
China Unsuccessful efforts of the Foreign District Inspector at Tientsin to obtain promised release of salt funds earmarked for foreign loan service. |
269 |
| July 21 (333) | From the Minister in China Diplomatic Circular No. 65 of July 18 (text printed) quoting telegram from Yen to his representative in Peiping, apparently intended as a reply to the note from the Senior Minister. |
270 |
| July 30 (634) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Chefoo: Information from Commissioner of Customs that Liu Chen-nien wished to take over local customshouse but was informed of various difficulties involved. |
271 |
| Aug. 20 (726) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Refusal of Nationalist Foreign Minister to accept the Senior Minister’s note because of objections to the practice of the senior foreign diplomat speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps; inquiry as to whether individual protest should be made. |
271 |
| Aug. 23 (287) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that it would not be advisable to make an individual protest at this time. |
272 |
| Aug. 29 (766) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note which the Senior Minister proposes to send to the Foreign Minister (text printed) reserving the right of the diplomatic corps to make collective representations; statement that no objections to the note are perceived. |
272 |
| Aug. 30 (767) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Nanking continues to urge British Government to deport and punish Mr. Lenox Simpson, but that British Government is opposed to such action. |
273 |
| Aug. 30 (300) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Concurrence in Legation’s 766 of August 29. |
273 |
| Oct. 2 (872) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Tientsin: Report of remittance to Shanghai of salt revenue for the service of foreign loan obligations. |
273 |
| Oct. 2 (876) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that the Tientsin customs will revert to the regular Maritime Customs Administration on October 3. |
274 |
Efforts of the United States To Meet Situation Created by Imposition in China of Taxes Considered Unfair to American Trade
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 July 19 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Shanghai Opinion that in the absence of discrimination against the U. S. firm no protest should be made regarding the seizure by the Revenue Stamp Bureau of goods in transit belonging to the Foster-McClellan Company because of the firm’s failure to affix revenue stamps; opinion in general reference to issuance of transit passes by the Maritime Customs that protests may be made when goods covered by such passes are subjected to further taxation while en route; information that this opinion is being submitted to the Department. |
274 |
| Sept. 11 (1342) | To the Minister in China Concurrence in instruction that no protest should be made against seizure of Foster-McClellan Company’s goods; tentative approval of position regarding transit passes pending further information; request for necessary information. |
276 |
| Jan. 30 (1463) | To the Chargé in China Definite concurrence in Legation’s views regarding transit passes. |
277 |
| Apr. 26 (146) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion of the Departments of State and Commerce that the favored-nation provisions in the U. S. tariff agreement with China entitle U. S. trade to any reduction in rates accorded to any other country. |
278 |
| May 21 | From the Minuter in China to the Consul General at
Shanghai Instructions to protest against the discrimination against U. S. goods if the announcement transmitted by the Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company concerning the exemption from advertising tax of native products is found to be based on fact. |
278 |
| May 27 (374) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to whether protest should be made to de facto Northern authorities against taxation of kerosene and gasoline covered by transit passes issued by the National Government. |
279 |
| May 29 | From the Minister in China to the Consul at
Tsingtao Instruction that it would be in order to protest against advertising tax which discriminates against foreign goods. |
279 |
| June 5 (182) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization, on request of U. S. interests, to protest to de facto Northern authorities against taxes on kerosene and gasoline covered by transit passes. |
280 |
| June 6 | From the American Consul at Tsingtao to the Chinese
Mayor of the Special Municipality of Tsingtao Protest against advertising tax which violates U. S. treaty rights by discriminating in favor of Chinese products. |
280 |
| June 14 (197) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Report received from the Texas Company that Honan authorities under threat of confiscation have extorted $25,000 illegal taxes on goods stored at Taokow; request for report on steps taken. |
281 |
| June 17 (460) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on action taken which has led the Honan authorities to admit that oil cargo on transit pass should not be taxed; information that the authorities insist, however, that cargo transshipped in North Honan should be transshipped within seven days, and that this ruling is being protested. |
281 |
| July 30 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Tientsin Information that support will not be given to Consul General’s representations against detention at Tsinghua, Honan, of Texas Company’s cargo destined for Shansi unless no reply or an unfavorable reply is received to the representations. |
282 |
| July 31 | From the Minister in China to the Consul at
Swatow Instruction that no protest should be made against taxation if no transit dues have been paid and if there is no discrimination against U. S. goods. |
283 |
| Aug. 14 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Tientsin Opinion that a protest should be made against the levying on U. S. goods covered by transit pass of the goods tax on the Tchengtai Railway. |
283 |
| Aug. 20 (419) | From the Consul at Tsingtao to the Minister in
China Report that the authorities of the Tsingtao Municipality have replied to the Consulate’s protest of June 6 to the effect that they find nothing in the advertising tax which contravenes U. S. treaty rights; intention to take no further action unless in support of the protest of some particular U. S. firm. |
284 |
| Aug. 25 | From the American Legation in China to Marshal Yen
Hsi-shan’s Diplomatic Bureau at Peiping Representations regarding detention of the Texas Company’s cargo at Tsinghua for payment of a kerosene tax. |
285 |
| Aug. 26 | From the American Legation in China to Marshal Yen
Hsi-shan’s Diplomatic Bureau at Peiping Request for the release of a shipment of Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company cigarettes being detained by the Tientsin customs pending payment of an excise tax higher than that prescribed by the National Government. |
286 |
| Sept. 3 | From the Consul at Tientsin to the Minister in
China Report from the Standard Oil Company that the goods tax on the Tchengtai Railway has been abolished. |
287 |
| Sept. 5 (151) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Request that instructions be given to the Municipality of Tsingtao to end the discriminatory taxation of U. S. goods in the matter of advertisements. |
288 |
| Sept. 13 (461) | From the Minister in China Acknowledgment of Department’s instruction that Legation and Consulate General refrain from protesting to the de facto authorities against kerosene and gasoline taxes on the basis of special endorsements on transit passes but that protests by U. S. companies may be transmitted; report that Standard Oil Company has availed itself of this procedure. |
288 |
| Sept. 24 (262) | To the Minister in China Opinion, with reference to the Legation’s instruction of July 31 to the Consul at Swatow, that a transit pass does not, unless specially modified, exempt goods from a sale or consumption tax. |
289 |
| Sept. 26 (6639) | From the Consul General at Shanghai to the Minister
in China Request for instructions in regard to the request by the Minister of Finance for the assistance of the consular body and the International Settlement authorities in preventing cigarettes on which the excise tax has not been paid from being sold in the Settlement and being smuggled from the Settlement to Chinese territory. |
290 |
| Nov. 4 (297) | To the Minister in China Observation in regard to the Legation’s instruction of May 29 to the Consul at Tsingtao, that article I of the treaty of 1928 relates only to importations and exportations and does not undertake to provide for equality of treatment as between native goods and imported goods. |
292 |
| Nov. 13 (308) | To the Minister in China Approval of the Legation’s memorandum of August 26 to Yen Hsi-shan’s Diplomatic Bureau in regard to the excise tax on cigarettes. |
293 |
| 1931 Jan. 3 (348) | To the Minister in China Opinion that imposition of higher censorship fees on U. S. motion picture films than on native films cannot be protested on the basis of treaty rights; suggestion that protests be continued but that they be based on general ground of international comity. |
294 |
Representations Against a Proposed Tobacco Monopoly in Shansi Province
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 [Feb. 14] | From the American Minister in China to Marshal Yen
His-shan of Shansi Province (tel.) Request that steps be taken to prevent the establishment in Shansi of a Provincial monopoly on the sale of cigars and cigarettes, since such a monopoly would injure U. S. trade and contravene the commercial treaties between the United States and China. |
295 |
| Feb. 18 | From Marshal Yen Hsi-shan of Shansi Province to the
American Minister in China (tel.) Assertion that the official sale of cigars and cigarettes does not constitute a monopoly and does not contravene the treaties. |
295 |
| Mar. 25 (105) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for comments on the advisability of the Legation’s making a protest to Nanking although it presumably would be ineffective. |
296 |
| Mar. 29 (234) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that no protest has been made to Nanking since it has no authority in Shansi and since such a protest would only irritate Yen. |
297 |
| Sept. 26 | From the American Minister in China to Marshal Yen
Hsi-shan of Shansi Province (tel.) Information that Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company reports that the various restrictions have forced it almost out of business in Shansi; request that instructions be given to permit this firm to carry on unimpeded by restrictions which are contrary to treaty rights and the best interests of the two countries. |
297 |
Sino-Soviet Conflict Over the Chinese Eastern Railway
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Undated [Rec’d Feb. 13] | From the Chinese Legation Explanation that the Habarovsk agreement included certain general proposals which the Chinese delegate was not authorized to discuss; information that the National Government is prepared to send a delegate to the conference at Moscow to effect a final settlement of the Railway questions, and that if the Soviet Government desires to send a delegate to China to discuss questions of a general character, China will be prepared to negotiate with such a delegate. |
298 |
| Feb. 24 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister concerning the present status of the negotiations. |
299 |
| Mar. 28 (114) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Note for the Foreign Office (text printed) acknowledging the Chinese Government’s note of December 3, 1929, relating to the Railway dispute. |
300 |
| May 21 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, who stated that the Chinese delegate had arrived in Moscow. |
300 |
| May 30 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, who expressed fear that there would be controversy over the question of the scope of the negotiations. |
301 |
| Dec. 12 (1041) | From the Minister in China (tel.) News report from Nanking, December 10 (text printed), stating that the Chinese delegate to Moscow is returning for home leave to obtain the views of his Government, as the questions of resumption of diplomatic relations and commercial intercourse have been brought up since he has been in Moscow. |
301 |
| Dec. 17 (1053) | From the Minister in China (tel.) News report from Moscow, December 16 (text printed), concerning the Soviet delegate’s statement to the departing Chinese delegate. |
302 |
| Dec. 31 (1085) | From the Minister in China (tel.) News report from Harbin, December 29 (text printed), of statements by the returning Chinese delegate. |
302 |
Reports of Conflict Between Chinese and Japanese Interests With Respect to Railways in Manchuria
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Dec. 15 (249) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Oral statement from the Foreign Office (text printed) regarding Japanese concern over the building by China of railway lines parallel to the South Manchuria Railway. |
303 |
| Dec. 15 (83) | From the Ambassador in Japan Memorandum by a member of the American Embassy of a conversation with the chief of the Division of Asiatic Affairs in the Foreign Office (text printed), who set forth Japan’s position with regard to the Railway and raised question concerning the chances of U. S. capital being advanced to the Chinese for the construction of railways parallel to the South Manchuria Railway. |
303 |
| Dec. 19 (1061) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Japanese press reports that the Chinese are adopting a more aggressive attitude toward Japanese railway interests in Manchuria; opinion that the Japanese are disturbed over possible cooperation between Mukden and Nanking following Chang Hsueh-liang’s visit to Nanking. |
308 |
Treaty of Arbitration Between the United States and China, Signed June 27, 1930
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 May 28 | From the Chinese Minister Two suggested changes in the U. S. draft treaty of arbitration: (1) substituting “Permanent International Commission constituted pursuant to the treaty signed at Washington, September 15, 1914” for “an appropriate commission of conciliation,” and (2) substituting “in the Chinese and English languages, both texts having equal force,” for “in the English language.” |
309 |
| June 22 | To the Chinese Minister Acceptance of the first suggested change, and suggestion of alternative for the second. |
310 |
| July 24 | From the Chinese Minister Explanation that the second change is necessary to conform with an order of the National Government that in all China’s future treaties the Chinese language shall prevail except when a third language is stipulated as authoritative. |
311 |
| 1930 Jan. 31 | To the Chinese Minister Suggestion that the treaty be signed in English, Chinese, and French, with the French text prevailing. |
312 |
| Mar. 21 | From the Chinese Chargé Acceptance of the Department’s suggestion of January 31. |
313 |
| June 27 | Treaty Between the United States of America and
China Text of arbitration treaty signed at Washington. |
313 |
Agreement Relating to the Chinese Courts in the International Settlement at Shanghai, Signed February 17, 1930
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 8 (25) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that the heads of legation have agreed upon tentative joint instructions to the foreign delegates at the Conference in Nanking (text printed). |
315 |
| Jan. 9 (9) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s views in regard to the points mentioned in the Legation’s telegram No. 18, January 4, summarizing the points under discussion at the Conference. |
316 |
| Jan. 11 (36) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram from the British Minister at Nanking (extract printed) setting forth lines of a settlement which the foreign delegates have agreed upon; information that joint instructions have been sent to the foreign delegates giving them discretion to effect a settlement along the lines indicated. |
317 |
| Jan. 15 (47) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Bucknell, January 14: Agreement with Department’s No. 9, January 9, except on two points; opinion that further discussion between Chinese representatives and foreign delegates of points still at issue will be useless; suggestion that if no agreement is reached at next meeting, the British Minister continue the discussions informally until they reach a point where the two delegations can meet again to draft the final agreement. To Bucknell: Inability to give instructions in anticipation of Chinese attitude; suggestion that delegates make joint report on next meeting. |
318 |
| Jan. 16 (48) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Jacobs, January 15: Concurrence in Bucknell’s views, and comments on additional points; opinion that together these represent the maximum of concessions. |
319 |
| Jan. 16 (52) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Concurrence in opinion that the points enumerated by Bucknell and Jacobs represent the maximum in concessions; request for instructions. |
321 |
| Jan. 17 (19) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Satisfaction with the general position taken by the Legation and the U. S. delegates. |
322 |
| Jan. 22 (68) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Jacobs and Bucknell, January 21: Information that agreement has been reached subject to approval of heads of legation; request for instructions if draft meets approval. |
322 |
| Jan. 22 (69) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Jacobs and Bucknell, January 21: Articles agreed upon and comments thereon. |
323 |
| Jan. 23 (71) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Decision of heads of legation to ask their respective governments to sanction approval of agreement; request for early authorization. |
324 |
| Jan. 25 (79) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Jacobs and Bucknell, January 23: Joint telegram to the Senior Minister (text printed) commenting on articles of the draft agreement. |
325 |
| Jan. 25 (80) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Joint telegram from the foreign delegates to the Senior Minister, January 24 (text printed), setting forth an amendment which the Chinese wish to make in article 6, and the opinion of the foreign delegates that it should not be accepted. |
328 |
| Jan. 25 (84) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Note from the Senior Minister, January 25 (text printed), proposing that the foreign delegates inform the Chinese that the amendment to article 6 is not acceptable; Legation’s concurrence in the Senior Minister’s suggestion. |
328 |
| Jan. 28 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) From the Chargé: Request for Department’s instructions as soon as possible for signing of agreement. |
329 |
| Jan. 28 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Chargé: Conditional authorization for delegates to sign agreement, and statement of conditions upon which the authorization is predicated. |
329 |
| Jan. 30 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that draft agreement represents an acceptable settlement and that signature by chiefs of missions would be preferable to signature by delegates. |
330 |
| Jan. 30 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Chargé: Request that the Minister be informed that the Department will accept the Minister’s decision with regard to points set forth in Department’s telegram of January 28 and that he is authorized to sign the agreement at his discretion. |
331 |
| Feb. 2 | From the Minister in China (tel.) British Minister’s opinion that the Chinese would not accept modifications proposed in Department’s telegram of January 28; information that British Minister is prepared to sign; expression of hope that Department will give authorization to sign agreement as is. |
332 |
| Feb. 3 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Reference to Department’s telegram of January 30 authorizing signature. |
332 |
| Feb. 13 (126) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Explanation that, because of the difficulties of obtaining simultaneous signatures of Foreign Minister and interested Ministers, it has been decided that the agreement shall be signed at Nanking on February 17 by the authorized representatives of those concerned. |
333 |
| Feb. 17 | Agreement Relating to the Chinese Courts in the
International Settlement at Shanghai Texts of agreement, exchange of notes between the foreign signatories and the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, and unilateral declaration by the foreign signatories. |
333 |
| Mar. 7 (181) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that the judges of the British Supreme Court and of the United States Court be designated as the foreign representatives on the commission provided for in article 9 of the agreement. |
342 |
| Mar. 12 (90) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of Minister’s 181 of March 7, provided the Chinese representatives are of correspondingly high position. |
342 |
| Mar. 14 (194) | From the Minister in China (tel.) (From the Counselor of the Legation.) From the Minister, at Shanghai: Request that interested Ministers be informed that question of appointing officials to facilitate inplementation of the agreement was discussed with the Foreign Minister, who has appointed his representative and asks that interested Ministers appoint theirs. To the Minister: Names of foreign representatives agreed upon by interested diplomatic representatives. |
342 |
| Mar. 20 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the British Minister, in which it was decided that, if the Chinese appointed members of their delegation, it would be sufficient to name members of the American and British delegations as judges on the commission provided for in the court agreement. (Footnote: Information that two Chinese delegates, one American, and one British were appointed.) |
343 |
| Apr. 16 (6458) | From the Consul General at Shanghai to the Minister
in China Information that the new courts were inaugurated on April 1 and that they are now functioning satisfactorily. |
344 |
American Interest in Problems Affecting the International Settlement at Shanghai
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 13 (42) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Note from the Foreign Ministry (text printed) requesting that the Shanghai Power Company be instructed to communicate directly with the Municipal Council concerning its request for the stamping of deeds; opinion that suggested procedure should not be accepted since it might appear that the Legation acquiesced in the Foreign Ministry’s implied position that foreign consuls can no longer intervene on behalf of their nationals. |
345 |
| Jan. 16 (18) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Concurrence in views expressed in Chargé’s No. 42, January 13; instructions to insist upon observance of procedure laid down in Shanghai Land Regulations. |
346 |
| Jan. 18 (1454) | To the Chargé in China Desire that the Minister, after he has taken his post, examine into the extra-Settlement road problem. |
346 |
| Apr. 16 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Resolution presented by the Municipal Council to the annual ratepayers’ meeting proposing an increase in the Chinese membership of the Council from three to five; information that it was opposed by a British ratepayer and voted down. |
347 |
| Apr. 23 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Information that a special ratepayers’ meeting has been called to consider a resolution concerning the increase of the Chinese membership of the Council; opinion that it would be desirable to attend and preside; request for instructions. |
348 |
| Apr. 26 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Concurrence in Consul General’s opinion that it would be desirable for him to preside at the special meeting; request for an expression of the Minister’s views. |
348 |
| Apr. 30 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) From the Minister: Opinion that present problem is between Council and British ratepayers and that U. S. action should consist only of support to the British Consul. |
349 |
| May 8 (312) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the diplomatic body has approved the resolution passed by the ratepayers to increase the Chinese membership of the Council. |
349 |
| May 10 (162) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Gratification that the Minister associated himself with his colleagues in approving the resolution. |
350 |
| July 18 (7036) | From the Consul General at
Shanghai Information that, upon the insistence of the Consulate General, the Chinese authorities have stamped the Shanghai Power Company’s deeds in the customary manner. |
350 |
| Aug. 22 (225) | To the Minister in China Request that the Consul General at Shanghai be informed that the Department is gratified at his success in regard to the procedure for stamping the deeds. |
351 |
| Dec. 23 (6736) | From the Consul General at Shanghai to the Minister
in China Conversation with the Mayor of the Municipality of Shanghai in regard to the extra-Settlement roads; intimation by the Mayor that the Chinese authorities desire that the matter be taken up through diplomatic channels. |
351 |
| Dec. 27 (447) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for opinion with regard to the question of the extra-Settlement roads. |
352 |
| 1931 Jan. 1 (2) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that the claims of the Municipal Council in regard to the extra-Settlement roads are based on very slender grounds. |
353 |
Insistence by China Upon the Relinquishment of Extraterritorial Rights by the United States and Other Powers
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 2 (2) | From the Consul at Nanking (tel.) Information that the head of the Judicial Yuan has said with regard to negotiations on the question of extraterritoriality that China will be firm where principles are concerned but reasonable as to details. |
353 |
| Jan. 2 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister, who presented a proposal for abrogating extraterritoriality as of January 1 except in Shanghai, Canton, Tientsin, Hankow, and Harbin (text printed). |
354 |
| Jan. 2 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Report that the Mayor of Canton apparently expects the consular officers to call first and formally upon him, which is contrary to established practice; request for suggestions as to some general form of procedure. |
355 |
| Jan. 2 (6) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Departure of the British Minister for Nanking to initiate negotiations for a gradual relinquishment of extraterritorial rights. |
356 |
| Jan. 2 (7) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that the French, Danish, and Italian Ministers are protesting to the Chinese Government with respect to the mandate of December 28, 1929, and that the British Minister has suggested to his Government that it make a reservation in some form. |
356 |
| Jan. 3 (10) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Statement to the diplomatic body that the Department is engaged in discussions with the Chinese Minister with a view to concluding an agreement, that it proposes to continue the discussions, and that it has given no instructions regarding a protest or reservation concerning the Chinese mandate. |
357 |
| Jan. 3 | From the French Ambassador Notice that a protest was delivered to the Chinese Government on January 2, but that it does not constitute a change in French policy toward China. |
357 |
| Jan. 4 (5) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of statements reported in the Chargé’s No. 10 of January 3; explanation of the Department’s position that it sees no objection to signalizing January 1 as a date for the beginning of a gradual abolition of extraterritorial rights, it being understood that the process will be by steps which shall be agreed upon. |
358 |
| Jan. 4 | To the French Embassy Statement of the U. S. Government’s position regarding the Chinese declaration of December 28, 1929. (Footnote: Similar memorandum to the British Embassy.) |
359 |
| Jan. 6 (6) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that the Department perceives no need for consular officers to call first and formally on the Mayor of Canton, and that it leaves the question of instructions to the Legation. |
360 |
| Jan. 8 (26) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Japanese Chargé’s statement that his Government does not intend to make a protest with regard to the mandate of December 28, 1929. |
360 |
| Jan. 13 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Information that an informal visit to the Mayor of Canton was made January 11, that other consuls are pursuing a similar course, and that relations seem well established. |
361 |
| Jan. 13 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Chinese Minister, during which it was explained that the United States could not commit itself to the Minister’s proposal of January 2, and in which some of the points involved in a plan being worked on in the Department were discussed. |
361 |
| Jan. 15 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Report that the impression is growing in Chinese circles that the United States is the only power opposing the abolition of extraterritoriality; suggestion that the Consulate General could make good use of a statement regarding progress of negotiations in Washington. |
362 |
| Jan. 18 (20) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Statement regarding the satisfactory progress of the negotiations at Washington. |
362 |
| Jan. 20 (62) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report that the Norwegian Chargé has left for Nanking to engage in extraterritoriality negotiations. |
363 |
| Jan. 23 | To the Chinese Legation Draft plan prepared in the Department for purposes of discussion without commitment. (Footnote: Information that it was explained that no definite offer should be expected until after the Secretary’s return from the London Naval Conference.) |
363 |
| Feb. 3 | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of having been shown the first definite proposal which the British Minister is prepared to lay before the Chinese Foreign Minister. |
372 |
| Feb. 4 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Opinion that evidence of absence of agreement among the powers will not prejudice the negotiations at the present stage; desire, however, to exchange views and information with other interested Governments. |
373 |
| Undated [Rec’d Feb. 6] | From the Chinese Minister Personal observations of the Minister on the Department’s draft proposal of January 23. |
373 |
| Feb. 6 | Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of
State Visit by the Japanese Ambassador, who left a statement of Japanese position and invited a statement of U. S. position. |
375 |
| Undated [Rec’d Feb. 6] | From the Japanese Embassy Statement of the Japanese position. |
375 |
| Feb. 10 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Brazilian Ambassador, who stated that his Government’s view coincided substantially with that of the U. S. Government. |
377 |
| Feb. 13 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Chinese Minister in regard to the most-favored-nation clause contained in the U. S. draft of January 23. |
377 |
| Undated | To the Japanese Ambassador Request for additional information in regard to Japanese views as set forth by the Ambassador on February 6. (Footnote: Notation that this document was read to the Japanese Ambassador on February 18.) |
380 |
| Undated | To the Japanese Embassy Statement of U. S. Government’s position as requested by the Embassy on February 6. (Footnote: Handed to the Ambassador on February 18.) |
381 |
| Feb. 19 (41) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Account of progress of Department’s negotiations with the Chinese Minister; information that the Department is still uninformed as to British proposals to the Chinese and would welcome such information as the Foreign Office may be disposed to give. |
382 |
| Feb. 21 (36) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Opinion that the British negotiations are at a deadlock; explanation that the British are much concerned as to the Department’s attitude; information that the Foreign Office will authorize the British Embassy to explain the current situation to the Department. |
384 |
| Feb. 25 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Instructions to discuss with the British Minister the subject of cooperation as distinguished from concurrent action or a “united front”; request for estimate of Chinese political situation in its bearings on whether haste or delay is desirable, and for opinion as to whether negotiations should be transferred from Washington to Nanking. |
384 |
| Feb. 25 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Netherlands Minister, in which the obstacles to identical action were pointed out to the Minister. |
385 |
| Feb. 26 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Memoranda given to the Chinese Minister (texts printed): (1) reply to the Chinese Minister’s memorandum presented on February 6; (2) rough sketch of a portion of a possible new draft plan being worked on in the Department. |
387 |
| Feb. 27 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Chinese Minister, in which the Minister expressed disapproval of the ideas embodied in the sketch of the Department’s new draft plan. |
391 |
| Mar. 3 (22) | To the Minister in China Transmittal of a copy of the memorandum of the conversation between the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs and the Chinese Minister on February 13, and comments thereon for the information of the Minister in China. |
393 |
| Mar. 4 | From the British Chargé Aide-mémoire setting forth the course and progress of the British negotiations with the Chinese (text printed). |
394 |
| Mar. 5 (281) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Transmittal of a copy of the memorandum of the conversation between the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs and the Chinese Minister of February 13, sent to the Ambassador in connection with the Foreign Office inquiries regarding U. S. position. |
402 |
| Mar. 6 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) From the Minister: Opinion that there seems to be nothing in the present Chinese political situation to require haste in the negotiations; also that no purpose would be served by transferring the negotiations to Nanking until and unless agreement is reached between U. S. and British Governments on concrete proposals. |
403 |
| Mar. 7 | From the French Ambassador Comments on Japanese note handed to the Foreign Office on February 6; request to be informed of the U. S. position and of the status of the negotiations between the United States and China. |
404 |
| Undated | To the British Chargé Explanation that the materials presented to the Chinese Minister on January 23 were merely a plan submitted for purposes of study and did not constitute a proposal or involve a commitment. (Footnote: Notation that this document was shown to and read by the Chargé on March 10.) |
406 |
| Mar. 17 | To the British Chargé Memorandum (text printed) in reply to various inquiries of the British Government as to the attitude of the U. S. Government in regard to the relative importance of two points involved in the negotiations with China. |
408 |
| Mar. 17 | To the British Embassy Reiteration that the transaction of January 23 consisted of the informal submittal of a memorandum to the Chinese Minister. |
409 |
| Mar. 17 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the British Chargé during which a statement was presented to the Chargé (text printed) setting forth the Department’s view that the problem of the International Settlement is distinct from the general question of extraterritorial jurisdiction. |
409 |
| Mar. 18 | To the French Embassy Acknowledgement of the French note of March 7; and statement, as requested, of the views of the U. S. Government and of recent developments. |
410 |
| Mar. 22 (213) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation with the British Minister, who presented a draft plan which it is felt will furnish a basis for a possible concrete proposal; and information that the two Legations are now working on a draft which they hope to submit shortly to their respective Governments and possibly to the Japanese. |
412 |
| Mar. 22 | To the British Chargé Comments on the Chargé’s aide-mémoire of March 4. |
413 |
| Mar. 24 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Netherlands Minister in regard to views of Foreign Office officials and their desire for information regarding U. S. negotiations; memorandum concerning U. S. views and negotiations, handed to the Minister during the conversation (text printed). (Footnote: Information that the memorandum was also handed to the Italian Counselor of Embassy on March 26.) |
416 |
| Mar. 27 (113) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Hope that collaboration with the British Minister will produce a workable plan; authorization to exchange views with Netherlands Minister and other interested colleagues. |
417 |
| Mar. 28 (226) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Draft proposal drawn up by the American and British Ministers (text printed) for submittal to the two Governments for use in discussions with a view to finding a draft concrete proposal to be laid before the Chinese simultaneously though individually; intention to inform the French Minister on April 1 and the other interested Ministers later. |
418 |
| Apr. 2 | To the British Embassy Comments on various points under consideration; Department’s gratification at collaboration by American and British Ministers in China; information that a copy of their draft has been received and will be communicated to the Embassy. |
424 |
| Apr. 3 (245) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Comments on the draft submitted March 28; information that text has been communicated to French, Japanese, Netherlands, and Norwegian colleagues, who have communicated it to their Governments. |
425 |
| Apr. 9 | Revised Draft Agreement Department’s revision of the draft prepared by the American and British Ministers in China. |
426 |
| Apr. 11 (34) | To the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Instructions to inform the Chinese Minister to the United States, who is attending conference on international law, that the Department is withholding materials on extraterritoriality pending the Secretary’s return from London. |
434 |
| Apr. 17 | To the British Counselor of
Embassy Transmittal of Department’s revised draft; comments on variations in the two drafts; request for Foreign Office comments and suggestions. |
434 |
| Apr. 19 (137) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Transmittal of Department’s revised draft; authorization to discuss it with the British Minister; request for full comments and suggestions. |
435 |
| Apr. 28 (96) | To the Minister in China Transmittal of various documents; expression of interest in indications that Chinese officials are willing to move slowly, since recent developments in China point to the necessity of proceeding with caution. |
435 |
| May 1 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the British Minister, in which it was decided to approve the Department’s revised draft, subject to certain comments, and to recommend it to the two Governments as a basis for negotiations. |
436 |
| May 2 (151) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information, for use in case of inquiries, that Washington and London have been conferring but that resumption of negotiations is not contingent upon previous reaching of an agreement. |
437 |
| May 3 (304) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Comments subject to which the Department’s revised draft is approved; suggestion that the U. S. and British Governments now collaborate in producing a final agreed version. |
437 |
| May 3 (113) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Telegram being sent to Peiping (text printed) making slight change in the draft. (British Embassy also notified.) |
439 |
| May 8 (316) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Japanese Chargé has asked for a copy of draft and that one is being prepared for him. |
440 |
| May 8 (159) | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Instruction to defer action until further instructed, since Department has assumed that discussion of its latest draft would be confined for the present to U. S. and British officials. |
440 |
| May 9 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Suggestion that, unless it would be embarrassing, the copy of the draft be communicated to the Japanese Chargé by the British Minister. |
441 |
| May 14 (335) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that, in view of promise made, a copy of the draft was given to the Japanese Chargé on May 12. |
441 |
| May 15 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Chinese Minister with regard to the resumption of informal discussions. |
441 |
| May 15 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister, who called to renew relations and to inquire about resumption of conversation with Chief of Division of Far Eastern Affairs. |
443 |
| May 16 | From the British Counselor of
Embassy Foreign Office’s suggested amendments (text printed) to the revised draft, based mainly on the agreed comments of the U. S. and British Ministers in China. |
443 |
| June 9 (137) | To the Minister in China Transmittal of a draft as revised to June 4; information that it is based on the April 9 draft and includes amendments based on the suggestions in the Minister’s telegram No. 304 of May 3 and the British Counselor’s letter of May 16; comparison of the April 9 and June 4 drafts; request for comments. |
446 |
| June 10 | To the British Counselor of
Embassy Comments on the suggestions in the Counselor’s letter of May 16; transmittal of the June 4 draft. |
448 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Reiteration of Department’s views with regard to the relative merits of certain proposals. (Footnote: Notation that this document was handed to an official of the British Embassy, June 10, as a memorandum of oral statements.) |
451 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Statement that no assurance can be given that the Department will make proposals to the Chinese which conform to the June 4 draft. (Footnote: Notation that this document was handed to an official of the British Embassy, June 10, as a memorandum of oral statements.) |
451 |
| June 12 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation between the Secretary and the Chinese Minister, in which the Minister pressed for an assurance that attention would be given to the matter of the negotiations in the near future or that the conversations would be resumed. |
451 |
| Aug. 5 (194) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to inquire of the Foreign Office whether it is true that the British Government expects shortly to communicate proposals to the Chinese Government and whether Foreign Office would be willing to agree that neither U. S. nor British Government should present proposals without two weeks’ previous notice to the other. |
453 |
| Aug. 7 (173) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office statement that the Chinese Government has already been informed that the British Minister will spend most of September in Nanking to continue the discussions to the extent that the political situation will permit. |
454 |
| Aug. 7 (175) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office agreement with U. S. suggestion concerning two-week notification. |
455 |
| Aug. 9 (197) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Department’s understanding of agreement. |
455 |
| Aug. 9 (269) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Account of exchange of views with British Government; information that the Department is considering a possible proposal to the British that neither Government take any further initiative in the negotiations until October; request for comments. |
456 |
| Aug. 14 (698) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of proposal to postpone initiating the negotiations. |
457 |
| Aug. 21 (214) | To the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Information that copies of the June 4 draft have been given to the Japanese and Netherlands Missions; instructions to state to the Foreign Office that the Department suggests that no further initiative be taken until October in view of the political situation in China. |
457 |
| Aug. 30 (206) | From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office memorandum (text printed) expressing agreement with the Department’s views concerning the political situation in China, but stating that the British Ambassador is committed to resume the discussions in September. |
459 |
| Sept. 4 | From the British Embassy Information that the British Minister will present to the Chinese Government a draft agreement which is the June 4 draft with a revised article 10 (text printed); reasons for revision; inquiry whether the U. S. Government feels disposed to amend its draft accordingly. |
459 |
| Sept. 5 (780) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that simultaneously with presentation of draft by the British Minister at Nanking the Department present the June 4 draft to the Chinese Chargé and urge the Japanese Government to do likewise. |
462 |
| Undated | Tentative Redraft of the Final Paragraph of Article
10 of the Draft Agreement Text handed to the British Counselor of Embassy on September 6. |
463 |
| Sept. 7 (225) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Account of recent correspondence; reply being made to the Minister in China (text printed) to the effect that this is not considered an opportune moment for the simultaneous presentation of proposals but that if the British do present theirs now, the Department would be willing to inform the Chinese that the U. S. Government has full knowledge of them and that in October it will present its own proposals, which are substantially the same; request that the Foreign Office be informed. |
463 |
| Sept. 8 (789) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Conviction that British Minister’s instructions make it impossible for him to defer presentation of draft now. |
465 |
| Sept. 8 (216) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Foreign Office statement that the British Government’s commitments prevent it from deferring its presentation of the draft, but that it would welcome action by the Department as set forth in telegram No. 225 of September 7. |
465 |
| Sept. 10 (796) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of having been shown certain changes which the British have made in their draft. |
466 |
| Sept. 12 (809) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that British draft was presented to the Foreign Minister on September 11. |
466 |
| Sept. 12 | To the Chinese Legation Information that the Department has full knowledge of the contents of the British proposals, and that it has prepared a similar draft which it will be prepared to present in October. |
467 |
| Sept. 13 (812) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the British Ambassador in Japan inquired at the Japanese Foreign Office concerning its attitude toward the British proposals and was told that some time would be required to study the draft. |
467 |
| Sept. 15 (813) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for authorization to inform the interested Legations of the substance of the Department’s memorandum of September 12 to the Chinese Legation. |
468 |
| Sept. 15 (322) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization as requested in telegram No. 813; inquiry as to whether presentation of draft by British Minister has received any publicity. |
468 |
| Sept. 18 (821) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of brief press announcements; also that no public interest appears to have been aroused by British proposals. |
468 |
| Sept. 20 (834) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Legation has received final text of British proposals, and inquiry whether changes should be telegraphed to the Department. |
469 |
| Sept. 23 (328) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to telegraph important changes. |
469 |
| Sept. 24 (849) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Texts of the important changes. |
469 |
| Sept. 26 (855) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Foreign Minister’s statement to the British Minister that the British proposals are unacceptable and that the Chinese Government will submit counterproposals. |
470 |
| Oct. 28 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Chinese Minister, during which the American draft proposals were presented to the Minister and it was agreed that a copy should be presented at Nanking by the Minister in China. |
471 |
| Oct. 28 | Draft Agreement Text of draft handed to the Chinese Minister by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs. |
472 |
| Oct. 29 (375) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Changes in June 4 draft as presented to the Chinese Minister on October 28; instructions to present October 28 draft to the Foreign Minister and to inform British and Japanese colleagues of changes; information that copies of October 28 draft are being sent to British Government. |
480 |
| Oct. 29 (376) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that there will be no immediate discussion of the October 28 draft. |
481 |
| Nov. 8 (971) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Press report of Foreign Minister’s expression of hope for action in regard to the abolition of extraterritoriality. |
481 |
| Nov. 9 (972) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Japanese Chargé has been given a copy of the October 28 draft. |
482 |
| Nov. 11 (977) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that a copy of the draft proposals was given to the Foreign Minister on November 9. |
482 |
| Nov. 12 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Chinese Minister, who said that he found the October 28 proposals most unsatisfactory and that he thought it would be better for China to enter into no new agreement rather than an agreement of this type. |
482 |
| Nov. 13 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) For the Minister: Press release in regard to Department’s action (text printed). |
484 |
| Dec. 2 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who said that until extraterritoriality was discontinued foreign firms would not be permitted to make further extensions of their business into the interior. |
484 |
| Dec. 7 | Chinese Counterproposals Text of proposals received from the Chinese Minister. |
485 |
| Dec. 10 | Memorandum by Mr. Joseph E. Jacobs of the Division
of Far Eastern Affairs Conversation between the Chinese Minister and the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs and Mr. Jacobs, in which the Minister explained and amplified the Chinese counterproposals of December 7. |
489 |
| Dec. 11 (428) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for report on differences between Chinese counterproposals handed to the Department on December 7 and those handed to the British Minister at Nanking on December 1. |
492 |
| Dec. 16 (1050) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on differences in drafts handed to the Department and to the British Minister. |
492 |
| Dec. 17 (1054) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information from the Foreign Minister that a document is being prepared which the Chinese Minister will hand to the Department in about two days. |
494 |
| Dec. 17 (437) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for opinion as to possibility of Chinese taking unilateral action; desire also to know whether British Minister is planning any new move in the near future. |
494 |
| Dec. 18 (1057) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that British Minister plans to leave on December 26 and does not expect further instructions until after his return in February. |
495 |
| Dec. 18 (1058) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the French Minister has received Chinese draft proposals accompanied by a memorandum which he regards in the nature of an ultimatum. |
495 |
| Dec. 18 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Chinese Minister, in which the Minister stated that he hoped to have an answer to his counterproposals before the first of the year and in which the possibility of unilateral action by China was discussed. |
496 |
| Dec. 19 | From the Chinese Legation Reiteration of Chinese desire for abolition of extraterritoriality; unacceptability of U. S. proposals of October 28; hone that solution can be reached by the end of February; and statement that the Chinese Government still believes the matter can be settled by negotiation and that it will not be necessary for China to take a different course of action toward that end. |
497 |
| Dec. 19 (440) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Assumption that proposals handed to French Minister are similar to those handed to Department on December 7; résumé of Chinese Legation’s memorandum of December 19; authorization to inform British and French Ministers. |
498 |
| Dec. 20 (1064) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inclination to take seriously the last paragraph of the Chinese Legation’s memorandum of December 19; and information that it is identical with memoranda presented to the British and French Ministers. |
498 |
| Dec. 21 (1065) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Understanding that documents similar to the Chinese memorandum of December 19 have been given to other interested countries but not to Japan. |
499 |
| Dec. 22 (1073) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on French Minister’s instructions to reply to the effect that the French Government is reluctant to believe that the Chinese will compromise international relations by unilateral action as intimated in the memorandum; information that the Netherlands Minister will seek authorization to make a similar reply. |
499 |
| [Dec. 23] (1076) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion, shared by interested Ministers, that Chinese intend forcing extraterritoriality issue at expiration of indicated period. |
500 |
| Dec. 27 | To the Chinese Legation Recapitulation of correspondence; concurrence in view that matter can be settled by negotiation. |
500 |
| Dec. 27 (448) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Transmittal of memorandum given to the Chinese Legation; instructions to give text to Foreign Minister and to inform interested colleagues of its tenor. |
502 |
| Dec. 29 (450) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Chinese Minister has expressly requested that U. S. Minister give to the Foreign Minister a copy of the Department’s December 27 memorandum. |
503 |
| Dec. 29 (331) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Résumé of recent negotiations, including Department’s memorandum to the Chinese Legation December 27; and instructions to inform the Foreign Office. |
503 |
| Dec. 31 (334) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Information that the Department believes that the opportunity for concluding new treaties is better now than it will be later, and that it is working on a revision of the drafts of June 4 and October 28 with a view to making a new proposal; request for Foreign Office comments. |
504 |
| Dec. 31 (452) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information set forth in Department’s 334 to the Ambassador in Great Britain; Department’s intention to confer with the British through the Embassy in London; instructions to inform British Legation; request for comments. |
505 |
Jurisdiction Over American Citizens in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Sept. 13 (869) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Account of the facts in the case of the attempt of the Nanchang authorities to arrest Dr. Walter Libby, of the Nanchang General Hospital of the Methodist Mission, on a charge of having caused the death of a Chinese boy; request that the Nanchang authorities be instructed to desist from their efforts to take direct jurisdiction over this American citizen or the hospital, an American institution. |
505 |
| Oct. 31 | From the Minister in China to the Consul General at
Hankow Opinion that it is not necessary to comment to Dr. Libby on his action in allowing judges of the Chinese court to visit the hospital and question him, since no charges were made against Dr. Libby, the case being against the Chinese superintendent of the hospital. |
507 |
| 1930 Feb. 5 (106) | From the Minister in Chita (tel.) From Nanking, February 4: Report of case in which Mr. Albert H. Smit was detained by the Tungchow police as the result of an automobile accident in which a Chinese pedestrian was killed; information that Mr. Smit is out on bond and that Consulate has advised him to report matter to U. S. District Attorney at Shanghai; suggestion that Legation request District Attorney to institute proceedings to forestall possible Chinese attempt to take jurisdiction. To Nanking: Instructions to consult District Attorney and report. |
507 |
| Feb. 6 (108) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai: District Attorney’s opinion that the facts do not warrant Mr. Smit’s arrest or prosecution on a charge of manslaughter. |
508 |
| Feb. 12 (122) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking: Report that Mr. Smit went to Tungchow on February 5 to appear before the Chinese officials; request that Consul Meyer be sent to Tungchow. Information that Consul Meyer is being sent to Tungchow at once. |
509 |
| Feb. 15 (131) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram fron Consul Meyer (text printed) stating that Tungchow court has imposed fine of $100 on Mr. Smit and that Consul has advised him not to pay it until matter is referred to Legation. Intention to suggest to Consul at Nanking that he might in his official capacity hold a preliminary investigation; proposal to address a note in the matter to the Foreign Minister; request for instructions. |
509 |
| Feb. 17 (63) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of proposed suggestion to Consul at Nanking; desire that Mr. Smit not pay fine and that he keep out of Tungchow district pending settlement; disapproval of proposed note to the Foreign Minister; intention, however, to take up matter with the Chinese Minister. |
510 |
| Feb. 17 | To the Chinese Legation Explanation of Mr. Smit’s case, and expression of hope that it will not create an issue between the two countries. |
511 |
| Feb. 18 (137) | From the Minister in China (tel.) District Attorney’s opinion that prosecution of Mr. Smit is not warranted and that more ill feeling would be stirred up by an inevitable acquittal than by a failure to prosecute; Legation’s adherence to the view that Consul at Nanking could properly hold a fresh investigation. |
512 |
| Feb. 20 (71) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Concurrence in view that Consul at Nanking could properly hold a fresh investigation. |
512 |
| Feb. 21 (10) | From the Consul at Nanking (tel.) Report that Mr. Smit has proceeded to Shanghai without paying fine; assertion that if District Attorney is willing to initiate American court proceedings, Consul will hold preliminary hearing provided Mr. Smit returns to Nanking jurisdiction. |
513 |
| Mar. 1 (162) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Interview with the Foreign Minister on February 26 in which the Foreign Minister promised to make inquiry into Mr. Smit’s case. |
513 |
| Mar. 4 (171) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai: Report that Mr. Smit had been uncertain as to what his legal status was in view of the Chinese mandate of December 28, 1929; suggestion by the Consul General at Shanghai that a statement be issued to all missionary societies setting forth U. S. position regarding mandate. |
514 |
| Mar. 8 (32) | To the Minister in China Commendation of the Legation and the Consul General at Hankow in connection with the decision of the procurator of the Nanchang District Court, October 18, 1929, that the Court had no jurisdiction over Dr. Libby. |
515 |
| Mar. 9 (184) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestions in regard to investigation in Smit case. |
515 |
| Mar. 11 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with District Attorney, in which it was agreed that nothing should be done in regard to Mr. Smit’s motorcar license which the authorities had cancelled, since it is within their province to issue or refuse to issue a motorcar license without giving cause. |
516 |
| Mar. 11 (6) | To the Consul at Nanking (tel.) For the Minister: Hope of both Governments that the Smit case can be settled without further publicity. |
516 |
| Mar. 12 (92) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement which the Department is transmitting to missionary interests and desires the consular officers to communicate to Americans in China (text printed) setting forth U. S. position with regard to the Chinese mandate of December 28, 1929. |
517 |
| Apr. 7 (252) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on present status of Smit case. |
518 |
| May 16 (6498) | From the Consul General at Shanghai to the Minister
in China Report of an incident involving the question of jurisdiction over U. S. citizens in which the Chinese authorities seized the motorcar license of the commander in chief of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet but returned it after the matter was taken up by the Consulate General. |
518 |
| June 17 (147) | To the Minister in China Assertion that the Department would not be willing to concede to Chinese officials the unquestioned authority “without giving cause” to deprive U. S. citizens of the right to use their motor vehicles; request for more detailed statement of the Minister’s opinion on the subject. |
520 |
| Sept. 5 (440) | From the Minister in China Clarification of position in regard to the right of the Chinese to cancel or refuse to issue a motorcar license. |
521 |
Dual Nationality of American Citizens of Chinese Descent
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 18 (1455) | To the Chargé in China Opinion that the present is not a suitable time for discussing with the Chinese Government the question of a possible agreement concerning dual nationality. |
522 |
| June 23 (206) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from Bessie B. Wong of San Francisco (text printed) in regard to the arrest in Peiping of her father, Wong Bock Yue, an American citizen. Instructions to investigate facts and take appropriate steps. |
522 |
| June 27 (507) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Memorandum sent to local Diplomatic Bureau of Marshal Yen’s Headquarters, June 21 (text printed), in regard to Mr. Wong; statements made by the Diplomatic Bureau to the effect that Mr. Wong is a Chinese citizen; request for instructions. |
523 |
| June 27 (216) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to assert Mr. Wong’s U. S. citizenship and demand custody of his person. |
524 |
| June 28 (514) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that demand has been presented. |
524 |
| July 11 (565) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Diplomatic Bureau’s reply (text printed) giving evidence of Mr. Wong’s Chinese nationality; enumeration of facts which cause the Legation to question the advisability of continuing to assert Mr. Wong’s U. S. citizenship. |
524 |
| July 17 (239) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that the Legation would not be warranted in further contesting jurisdiction over Mr. Wong, but that it should request information concerning the treatment accorded to him. |
525 |
| Aug. 1 (651) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on treatment accorded Mr. Wong. |
526 |
| Oct. 2 (874) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Mr. Wong, who was released shortly after the turnover of Peiping, has called to express his gratitude. |
526 |
Jurisdiction for Quarantine Purposes Over American Merchant Vessels in Chinese Ports
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 July 14 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Director of the Chinese National Quarantine Service regarding the new service which he is organizing. |
527 |
| July 26 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Report on new quarantine regulations whereby the Chinese Government seeks to take over the quarantine service of Shanghai; opinion that their enforcement is beyond the capacity of the Chinese authorities; suggestion that the Chinese authorities be notified that the present regulations must remain in effect until replaced by others arrived at by agreement. |
527 |
| July 31 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Instructions for reply to the Chinese authorities to the effect that under the existing treaties, jurisdiction over U. S. merchant vessels visiting Chinese ports is vested in officials of the U. S. Government, but that the II. S. Government is prepared to discuss the revision of present agreements by negotiation; instructions to repeat to the Legation. |
529 |
| Aug. 4 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Report on a meeting of the consular body on August 1 and the attitudes adopted by interested colleagues. |
530 |
| Aug. 7 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Information that a reply in the sense of the Department’s instructions has been sent to the Director of Quarantine. |
531 |
| Aug. 11 (689) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a reply in the sense of the Department’s instruction is being drafted for transmittal to the Foreign Ministry. |
531 |
| Sept. 10 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Request for instructions as to whether the Consulate General should visa fumigation certificates signed by a National Quarantine Service officer but not countersigned by the harbor master; understanding that the British are tacitly accepting the new service. |
532 |
| Sept. 12 | To the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Instructions not to authenticate certificates issued by National Quarantine Service officers but to request U. S. Public Health Service officer at Shanghai to issue certificate after satisfying himself that the regulations have been fulfilled. |
533 |
| Sept. 22 (839) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that interested colleagues have decided not to inform the Nanking Government of an acceptance of the new regulations but to let them tacitly be enforced and watch the results; opinion that the United States should not follow a different policy; statement that no reply has been made to the Foreign Ministry and none will be made unless the Department so instructs. |
533 |
| Sept. 27 (336) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to follow procedure set forth in telegram No. 839 of September 22. |
534 |
| Sept. 29 (268) | To the Minister in China Statement of the principles involved in the Department’s reply to the September 10 telegram from the Consul General at Shanghai. |
534 |
| Nov. 11 (391) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Decision that for the present Chinese quarantine officers may be tacitly permitted to board U. S. vessels arriving at Shanghai so long as they do not interfere with the U. S. Public Health Service officer. |
536 |
| Nov. 14 (986) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, November 13: Report of instruction given shipping companies, who do not anticipate any serious difficulties. |
536 |
| Dec. 19 | To the Consul General at Shanghai Opinion that the U. S. Public Health Service officer at Shanghai should not countersign the certificates of the Chinese officer but that he should issue his own fumigation certificates. |
537 |
Application of Chinese Jurisdiction to American Missionary, Educational, and Medical Enterprises and Personnel in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Nov. 15 (1402) | To the Minister in China Opinion that U. S. citizens and organizations in China would not be justified in contesting the right of Chinese authorities to prescribe the method in which schools for the secular education of the Chinese shall be conducted; instruction that consular officers shall be so informed. |
538 |
| 1930 June 5 (129) | To the Minister in China Statement of principles in regard to the conduct of hospitals and the practice of medicine by U. S. citizens and organizations in China. |
541 |
| Aug. 20 (222) | To the Minister in China Opinion that U. S. missionaries and churches would be justified in refusing to make voluntary contributions equal in amount to the Soochow house tax if Chinese citizens and organizations similarly situated are exempted; suggestion, however, that consular officers should attempt to effect equitable and satisfactory adjustments. |
542 |
| Dec. 3 (325) | To the Minister in China Statement, in connection with the Chinese attempt to collect a military fodder tax from a Seventh Day Adventist Mission near Mukden, that the Consulate General should protest against the imposition of any military tax on U. S. citizens or institutions in China. |
543 |
| Dec. 8 (327) | To the Minister in China Department’s interpretation of treaty provisions in regard to the conduct of schools by American citizens in China. |
544 |
Attempt by Chinese Authorities To Require Registration of Foreign Corporations Desiring to Bring Suit in Chinese Courts
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 June 26 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Report of a ruling of the Special District Court of Shanghai in connection with the Japanese firm Mitsui Bussan Kaisha which, if sustained, will force all foreign companies to be registered with the Ministry of Commerce in order to bring suit in Chinese courts. |
546 |
| July 3 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Information that the ruling regarding the Japanese firm was not modified in the June 28 hearing; press reports of articles to be included in supplemental regulations soon to be issued (text printed). |
546 |
| July 12 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Statement by the President of the Shanghai Special District Court that all firms will be required to register before bringing suit in court; information that a case brought by the Singer Sewing Machine Company in the Kiangning District Court was dismissed because the firm was not registered; and request for early instructions in view of number of inquiries and importance of question. |
548 |
| July 14 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) To the Legation: Information that during the last three weeks several suits have been brought by an American firm in the Shanghai Special District Court and that two have been decided in favor of the American plaintiff; reiteration of request for early instructions. |
549 |
| July 14 (573) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to whether the Department feels in a position to make a ruling. |
549 |
| July 16 (579) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, July 14: Information that on July 12 the Singer Sewing Machine Company received a summons to appear before the Kiangning District Court on July 18 for a hearing of its case, and that the Consulate has advised the Company to go to court and report developments. |
550 |
| July 16 (237) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that Department desires to await receipt of summary of new regulations before expressing opinion. |
550 |
| July 17 (585) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information from the Japanese Legation that a further hearing of the Mitsui case will take place July 30 and that meanwhile the Chargé has been instructed to make vigorous representations. |
551 |
| July 18 (588) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from Consul at Harbin concerning foreign cases pending in Chinese courts of Harbin. |
552 |
| July 19 (594) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, July 18: Report on Singer Company’s case; information that judgment will be given on July 21. |
552 |
| July 22 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Transmittal of summary of new regulations. |
553 |
| Aug. 7 (265) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that U. S. corporations are “citizens of the United States” and entitled by treaty to bring suits in Chinese courts; statement that further consideration will be given to the general question of registration of U. S. firms upon receipt of full text of new regulations. |
554 |
| Aug. 7 (679) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking: Report that decision was in favor of Singer Sewing Machine Company and did not mention question of registration. |
555 |
| Aug. 16 (2172) | From the Consul at Harbin to the Minister in
China Information that the U. S. firm G. A. Bashkiroff and Company has been informed that to continue its suit it must either register within 30 days or be represented by an individual having a certificate from the Consulate that he represented the shareholders of the company. |
555 |
| Sept. 26 (266) | To the Minister in China Decision, after consideration of the full text, that application of the new regulations to U. S. firms would violate rights granted to U. S. citizens in existing treaties; and instructions to point out to U. S. firms the loss of extraterritorial status involved in registration, and to protest any attempt by Chinese to compel such registration. |
556 |
| Oct. 27 (290) | To the Minister in China Reference to case of The Texas Company, pointing out that Department’s objection to the requirement of registration is based on the ground that enforcement of the requirement would be in derogation of extraterritorial rights of corporations involved. |
559 |
Press Restrictions by Chinese Authorities Affecting American Citizens in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Feb. 12 | From the President of the United Press (tel.) Report that a postal ban has been applied to the Shanghai Evening Post (American) for over three months; request for assistance. |
559 |
| Feb. 14 (58) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to take such action on behalf of the Shanghai Evening Post as is proper and expedient. |
560 |
| Feb. 17 (135) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of representations made on behalf of the Shanghai Evening Post. |
560 |
| Feb. 28 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Conversation with local official in regard to intention of Civil Governor to expel Mr. G. Edward Lyon because of news despatch offensive to local Government; information that Mr. Lyon has promised to express regret and refrain from such action in the future. |
561 |
| Mar. 1 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Information that local authorities are satisfied with Mr. Lyon’s expression of regret. |
562 |
| Mar. 4 (82) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of action by Consul General at Canton in regard to Mr. Lyon. |
562 |
| Mar. 26 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Report that the postal ban on the Shanghai Evening Post was removed March 23. |
563 |
| June 6 (133) | To the Minister in China Opinion, in connection with Mr. Lyon’s case, that caution should be exercised against giving ground for the belief that the U. S. Government will be able to obtain for U. S. newspaper men in China the same freedom of action they would enjoy in the United States. |
563 |
| June 23 (484) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation in which the Foreign Minister stated that, although he realized that deportation was impossible, he must ask for all possible assistance in having Mr. Hallett Abend sent out of the country. |
564 |
| July 12 (566) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Nanking, July 9: Rules governing newspaper correspondents (text printed) which the Foreign Ministry states will be sent to various consulates. |
564 |
| July 16 (581) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Marshal Yen has restored Hallett Abend’s press privileges. (Footnote: Information as to Mr. Abend’s satisfactory adjustment of his status vis-à-vis the Nanking Government.) |
565 |
| Sept. 23 (330) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that the Legation refrain from accepting press messages for transmittal where the sole object is to evade censorship. |
566 |
| Dec. 1 (1020) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report by Reuter at Nanking, November 30 (text printed), on new press laws adopted by the Legislative Yuan. |
566 |
Protection of Title Deeds to Real Property of Americans in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Oct. 15 (885) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that instructions desired by the Consul General at Hankow in regard to the latest demand by Chinese authorities in connection with the reexamination of title deeds are being withheld pending receipt of Department’s instructions with regard to the whole matter. |
567 |
| Nov. 6 (363) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Note for the Foreign Ministry (substance printed) setting forth principles which the U. S. Government considers that the National Government in its attempt to bring about uniformity in title deeds should apply so that the treatment accorded U. S. citizens may be fair and just. |
567 |
| 1930 Jan. 24 (76) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Note from the Foreign Minister, January 10 (text printed), stating that the American suggestions would complicate the existing system and produce no benefit. |
569 |
| Feb. 8 (50) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Ministry that the U. S. Government reserves the right to make representations if the rights of any American holder of real property should be damaged by any action taken in disregard of the principles set forth. |
569 |
| Apr. 19 | From the American Minister in China to the Senior
Minister in China Views in regard to a letter from the Senior Consul on the subject of the changes contemplated by the Chinese authorities in the procedure of issuing title deeds. |
570 |
| Apr. 28 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the American Consul General and Senior Consul at Shanghai in regard to the question of transfer fees on titles transferred between foreigners of the same nationality. |
572 |
| July 3 (165) | To the Minister in China Instructions in regard to certain restrictions placed by the Chinese authorities upon the transfer of real property held by foreigners in Tsingtao. |
572 |
| Dec. 17 (682) | From the Minister in China Information that the Consul General at Shanghai has been authorized to begin the use of the new deed forms and otherwise to acquiesce in the new procedure governing the issuance of title deeds, without, however, formally recognizing the Chinese proposals. |
574 |
Reservation of American Rights With Respect to Chinese Regulations Affecting Foreign Missionary Property
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Mar. 7 (28) | To the Minister in China Instructions to protest Chinese ruling that foreign missionary societies may no longer lease land in perpetuity, since the ruling violates U. S. treaty rights; authorization, however, to defer protest until a case arises. |
575 |
| Sept. 22 (159) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Protest regarding the refusal of the Magistrate to register a lease in perpetuity on certain lands at Jukao, Kiangsu, by the Christian Reformed Church Mission. |
575 |
| Sept. 22 (160) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Protest with regard to the difficulties of the Lutheran Board of Missions in securing deeds in perpetuity to property at Kweiteh, Honan, leased and paid for by the Board. |
576 |
| Nov. 12 (189) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Renewed protest concerning the leasing of certain land at Jukao, Kiangsu, by the Christian Reformed Church Mission. |
577 |
Difficulties in China of the Central Asiatic Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Feb. 27 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister in regard to the differentiation between archeological and paleontological finds and the possible removal of the latter by the expedition of the American Museum of Natural History. |
578 |
| May 1 | Memorandum by the Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who stated that everything had been settled in connection with the expedition. (Footnote: Information that the 1930 expedition was the last one, as permission was not granted in 1931 and further attempts were abandoned in 1932.) |
580 |
Efforts for the Consideration of American Claims Outstanding Against China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Mar. 11 (1138) | To the Minister in China Opinion that claims arising from the destruction or looting of American-owned goods in the hands of native agents should continue to be presented to local authorities by Consuls, but that they should not be presented to the National Government until a plan has been worked out for the consideration of all claims. |
580 |
| 1930 Feb. 3 (1467) | To the Chargé in China Suggested protocol of agreement regarding claims of U. S. citizens against the Chinese Government (text printed) for the consideration of the Minister with a view to possible early negotiations on the subject. |
581 |
| Feb. 12 | From the American, British, and French
Representatives in China to the Chinese Minister for Foreign
Affairs Necessity, in view of the recent default, of pointing out that no means have been devised to meet the ever increasing accumulation of arrears in the service of the Hukuang Railways loan; urgent request that steps be taken to provide the necessary funds. |
586 |
| Mar. 18 (47) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Report that a pending Sino-Japanese customs agreement includes a provision for China to call a conference of creditors by October 1 for effectuating the consolidation of the unsecured and inadequately secured obligations of China. |
587 |
| Mar. 19 (51) | To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Inquiry as to whether the provision is for a conference of representatives of all creditors or of only Japanese creditors. |
587 |
| Mar. 20 (52) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Report that provision is for a conference of all creditors, foreign and Chinese. |
587 |
| Mar. 24 (100) | From the Minister in China Request for Department’s views in regard to the Standard Oil Company claim against Yunnan Province for the looting of its agency by the military; opinion that this and other claims can best be settled by some such commission as that envisaged in Department’s 1467 of February 3. |
588 |
| Apr. 3 (247) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Expression by the American group representative of the hope that action will be taken at the earliest opportunity in regard to the Hukuang Railways loan situation; request for instructions. |
589 |
| Apr. 8 (124) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to urge the National Government to take some practical measure for the relief of U. S. creditors; transmittal of suggested note. |
590 |
| Apr. 15 (147) | From the Minister in China Note sent to the Foreign Minister, April 12 (text printed), in accordance with Department’s authorization. |
590 |
| Apr. 17 (156) | From the Minister in China Information that the Hukuang Railways loan group banks have written to the Minister of Railways expressing the hope that if likin is abolished the Hukuang loan will become a charge upon the customs revenues. |
592 |
| May 14 | To the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company,
of Chicago Statement that the Department has taken up with the Minister in China the Company’s request for assistance to prevent the threatened destruction of the security assigned to a loan made to the Chinese Government in 1911. |
593 |
| May 14 (113) | To the Minister in China Suggestion that the Minister consider the advisability of approaching the Chinese Government in regard to the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company loan without awaiting the adoption of a general plan. |
593 |
| May 21 (118) | To the Minister in China Assertion, in connection with the Standard Oil Company claim, that the Department sees no reason to recede from its position set forth in instruction No. 1138 of March 11, 1929; and Department’s views on related points. |
595 |
| June 19 [20?] (471) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that in view of the military situation the time has not been considered opportune for taking up the matter of a claims commission as set forth in the Department’s No. 1467 of February 3; Foreign Minister’s statement that a Chinese commission has been formed under Mr. T. V. Soong which it is hoped will be ready to meet foreign claimants by October 1. |
597 |
| June 24 (286) | From the Minister in China Information that the Hukuang Railways loan group banks have made another attempt to obtain assurance that the loan will become a charge on the customs revenues, but that the Chinese Government avoids committing itself. |
598 |
| June 26 (296) | From the Minister in China Opinion that there would be no objection to inviting the attention of the Foreign Minister “for purposes of record” to the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company’s claim. |
599 |
| July 7 (171) | To the Minister in China Agreement with the Minister’s view as set forth in No. 471, of June 19, concerning the postponement of formal negotiations looking toward the settlement of outstanding obligations. |
601 |
| Aug. 8 (376) | From the Minister in China Reply to the inquiry by the Consul General at Canton regarding claims for property destroyed by the rebel army (text printed) to the effect that destruction of property by troops in revolt constitutes a valid basis for a claim against the central authorities. |
601 |
| Aug. 15 (216) | To the Minister in China Authorization to present a note to the Foreign Minister in regard to the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company’s claim. |
602 |
| Oct. 8 (275) | To the Minister in China Approval of Minister’s instruction to the Consul General at Canton on August 8. |
603 |
| Oct. 27 (368) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt of newspaper report that the Chinese Government has asked foreign ministers to send representatives to Nanking to discuss action in connection with defaulted obligations; request for comments. |
604 |
| Oct. 31 (948) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that conference mentioned in Department’s 368 of October 27 was postponed until November 15 and that all U. S. creditors in China have been notified; intention to attend opening and receive any proposals made. |
604 |
| Nov. 11 (306) | To the Minister in China Department’s views in regard to accepting the statements of reputable Chinese firms as evidence in substantiating losses of U. S. property in the hands of Chinese agents. |
605 |
| Nov. 12 (981) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of the information which it has been possible to obtain so far in regard to the proposals which the Minister of Finance plans to make to the November 15 conference. |
605 |
| Nov. 20 (397) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for concise statement as to what transpired at the November 15 conference. |
607 |
| Nov. 21 (997) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Chinese Government’s memorandum presented to the conference November 15 (text printed) setting forth the procedure which China is prepared to follow in settling its obligations which are now in arrears; statement concerning the conference issued to the press by the Chinese Government (text printed). |
607 |
Execution of Provisions of the Hukuang Railways Loan Agreement of May 20, 1911
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Oct. 15 (905) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 1: Report that Mr. Valpy (British), engineer in chief of a section of the Canton-Hankow Railway, has been dismissed by the Ministry of Railways. Inquiry as to whether it would be appropriate to protest with respect to that portion of article 17 of the Hukuang loan agreement which provides that a European and/or American engineer in chief will be employed during the currency of the loan. |
609 |
| Oct. 15 (351) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to join other interested Legations in protest. |
609 |
| 1931 Jan. 20 (746) | From the Minister in China Transmittal of Chinese reply to the effect that Mr. Valpy’s dismissal does not contravene the terms of article 17 and that an appropriate person will be employed to succeed him. |
610 |
Protection of American Patent Rights in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Nov. 16 (376) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to call the attention of the Chinese Government to the fact that the 1928 patent law fails to provide protection for U. S. patent rights, and to express hope that steps will be taken to remedy situation. |
610 |
| Nov. 20 (1019) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Chinese reply (text printed) stating that the 1928 regulations are only a temporary procedure and that a permanent patent law is being considered. |
611 |
| Nov. 27 (393) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions to address a formal communication to the Chinese Government requesting definite assurances that U. S. patent rights will not be infringed by any official acts pending the promulgation of a law protecting the patent rights of foreigners. |
611 |
| 1930 Feb. 15 (129) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note from the Foreign Minister, February 6 (extract printed), stating that there is nothing in the 1928 regulations to injure foreign products. |
612 |
| Feb. 25 (74) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that the Legation inform the Chinese Government that the U. S. Government reserves all rights in relation to patents accruing to U. S. citizens from the 1903 and other treaties. |
613 |
| Mar. 24 (105) | From the Minister in China Information that the Legation has deferred making reservation outlined in Department’s 74 of February 25 pending the outcome of a specific test of good faith, made in connection with the rights of the Claude Neon Lights, Incorporated. (Footnote: Information that on October 18, 1932, the Minister was sent general and specific instructions in regard to the protection of U. S. patent rights in China.) |
613 |
Protection of American Property Sold on an Installment-Paying Plan Under Conditional Sale Contracts
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Feb. 25 | From the Minister in China to the Consul at
Tsingtao Information that the Consul’s inquiry concerning the degree of financial interest which would entitle an American seller to diplomatic intervention is being sent to the Department for instructions; and Department’s instruction No. 939 of August 1, 1928, in regard to a similar case (text printed). |
614 |
| Dec. 3 (324) | To the Minister in China Opinion that an American seller is entitled to diplomatic assistance until the last installment is paid and the title passes to the purchaser. |
616 |
Applicability to American Citizens and Military Forces in China of Chinese Regulations Governing Importation and Use of Firearms
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Apr. 24 (286) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from the Foreign Minister (text printed) requesting the U. S. Government to prohibit the sale and shipment of certain military equipment. |
616 |
| Apr. 28 (293) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Proposed reply to the Foreign Minister (text printed) pointing out the limitations of the U. S. Government in preventing the importation of the military equipment mentioned. |
617 |
| May 2 (153) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Note for the Foreign Minister (substance printed) to be substituted for the Legation’s proposed reply. |
618 |
| May 9 (317) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Provisional regulations issued April 3 (text printed) to govern the issuance of licenses for arms to be used for and by foreigners in China; information that the regulations are to be considered at the next meeting of the diplomatic body. |
619 |
| May 13 (165) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to express the opinion at the meeting of the diplomatic body that the regulations cannot be considered applicable to U. S. citizens at this time, and to refrain from transmitting the regulations to U. S. citizens in China. |
620 |
| May 21 (353) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Notification to the Foreign Office that the regulations cannot be regarded as applicable pending instructions from the Department. (Footnote: Information received from the Foreign Ministry on May 23 of the promulgation of revised regulations.) |
621 |
| Oct, 13 (899) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, October 9: Report that the new provisional regulations for issuance of certificates to carry firearms require that a guarantee bond be given by the consul concerned, and inquiry as to whether Consulate General should sign and seal such bonds. Request for Department’s instructions. |
621 |
| Oct. 23 (362) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization for consular officers to sign and seal applications of U. S. citizens for licenses to carry arms for purposes of self-defense or hunting. |
622 |
| Oct. 23 (927) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Finance Ministry has informed the Superintendent of Customs that in the future foreign government agencies must obtain permits for the importation of munitions and supplies in accordance with new regulations; request for instructions. |
622 |
| Oct. 28 (370) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Note for the Foreign Ministry (text printed) suggesting that military importations for the use of U. S. Government agencies in China be certified as such by the Legation and that this certificate be used as a basis for issuing the necessary permits. |
623 |
| Nov. 5 (961) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that the Department’s note has been withheld from the Foreign Ministry pending receipt of further information regarding procedure actually followed; report of uncomplicated arrival of various shipments, and of attitude adopted by other foreign governments. |
624 |
| Nov. 7 (382) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization for the Legation to follow its own judgment provided no concessions to Chinese supervision are made which are greater than those indicated in the Department’s 370 of October 28. |
625 |
| Nov. 30 (1013) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, November 28: Report that Finance Minister has informed customs that henceforth military importations by foreign government agencies are to be governed by former procedure. |
625 |
Continued Negotiations Concerning the Federal Telegraph Company’s Contract With the Chinese Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Oct. 17 (355) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to press the Foreign Minister for a reply to the Legation’s note, draft of which was attached to the Department’s instruction No. 1353 of September 25, 1929. |
626 |
| Oct. 27 (933) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice that the Foreign Office is being urged to reply to the Legation’s note (sent October 31, 1929). |
626 |
| Nov. 14 (L–197) | From the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs to the
American Minister in China Note from the Ministry of Communications (text printed) stating that the continued existence of the Federal Telegraph contract cannot be permitted in view of the progress in the radio industry in the 10 years since the contract was signed. |
627 |
Abrogation by China of Foreign Cable Agreements and Negotiation of New Agreements
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 17 (57) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Nanking, January 15: Note from the Foreign Ministry, January 14 (text printed), giving notice that the 1905 agreement with the Commercial Pacific Cable Company (American) will be abrogated as of January 1, 1931. |
627 |
| Feb. 11 (52) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Commercial Pacific Cable Company is sending representatives to China at the request of the Chinese Government to negotiate a renewal of the landing rights for the company’s cable. |
628 |
| Nov. 25 (1002) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the company will approach the Department to inquire as to the U. S. Government’s policy should the Chinese, after December 31, cut the connection between the cable and the company’s offices in the International Settlement for the purpose of enforcing their terms for a renewal agreement. |
628 |
| Dec. 3 (416) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation with a company official; opinion that no objection should be made to Chinese control of cable in Chinese waters and on Chinese territory if there is no discrimination against the American company; instructions, however, to confer with the Foreign Minister in the company’s interest. |
629 |
| Dec. 5 | Memorandum by the American Minister in
China Conversation with the Foreign Minister on behalf of the Commercial Pacific Cable Company. |
630 |
| Dec. 31 | From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Report that agreement was signed by company representative December 30 for renewal of landing rights for 14 years from January 1, 1931. |
630 |
Issuance by China of Exequaturs to American Consular Officers in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Dec. 5 (2462) | From the Chargé in China Receipt of a note from the Foreign Minister dated September 23, 1929, to the effect that in the future the Legation should give notice of the appointment of consular officers and transmit their commissions to the Foreign Office so that it may issue exequaturs to them; request for instructions. |
631 |
| 1930 Jan. 20 (23) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Inclination to consider favorably the Chinese request; request for information as to views of other governments; authorization to intimate to colleagues that the U. S. Government is not aware of any convincing objections which could be made. |
631 |
| Jan. 31 (97) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report that the British, French, and Japanese Legations have referred the changes to their home Governments. |
632 |
| Mar. 12 (91) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization, if other governments do likewise, to transmit commissions of consular officers to the Foreign Office and to request exequaturs. |
632 |
| May 27 (124) | To the Minister in China Approval of the Minister’s opinion that if the Chinese again raise the question of exequaturs, a reply should be made to the effect that it would have to be settled in the negotiation of a new commercial treaty, and authorization to act in accordance therewith. |
633 |
| Sept. 18 (470) | From the Minister in China Information that, although the Legation has merely informed the Foreign Ministry of the appointment of U. S. consular officers, the Foreign Ministry has of its own accord forwarded exequaturs for them; intention not to acknowledge receipt of the exequaturs. |
633 |
| Dec. 17 (338) | To the Minister in China Approval of Legation’s intention not to acknowledge receipt of the exequaturs; comments on U. S. treaty position in the event China should refuse to recognize the official capacity of an American consular officer. |
634 |
Reciprocal Arrangement Between the United States and China According the Free Importation Privilege to Consular Officers and Their Families
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Sept. 29 | To the Chinese Chargé Statement that in view of Chinese regulations granting reciprocity in such matters the U. S. Government has arranged for the free entry of articles imported by Chinese consular officers for their personal use during their official residence in the United States. |
636 |
| Dec. 16 | From the Chinese Minister Information that the Chinese Government has arranged for similar free entry privileges for U. S. consular officers in China. |
637 |
Detention by Chinese Censorship of American Consular Correspondence
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 10 (321) | From the Consul at Foochow Note addressed by the consular body to the Defence Commissioner, January 8 (text printed), protesting the action of a censor appointed by the Commissioner in detaining telegrams sent by the consuls to their respective legations at Peiping on January 7. |
637 |
| Apr. 23 (91) | To the Minister in China Approval of the action of the Consul at Foochow in joining in protest. |
639 |
Attitude of the Department of State Toward a Proposed Conference To Consider the Silver Situation
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Nov. 15 | To President Hoover Expression of views on various phases of the silver situation. |
639 |
| Dec. 10 (1039) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to whether the U. S. Government would receive favorably a proposal from the Chinese Government that the United States call a conference of silver-using countries for the consideration of the silver situation. |
640 |
| Dec. 17 (434) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Assertion that the indications are that such a proposal would not be received favorably. |
640 |
COLOMBIA
Good Offices of the Department of State in Securing Suspension of Lighterage Charges on Privately Owned Lighters in the Port of Buenaventura
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Feb. 11 | From W. R. Grace & Co. Information that the customs authorities are imposing a special 25 percent tax on privately owned lighters at Buenaventura; explanation that this creates a discriminatory situation injurious to the Grace owned lighters; request that the Minister in Colombia take up the matter with Colombian authorities. |
641 |
| Feb. 13 (12) | To the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Instructions to render appropriate assistance. |
642 |
| Mar. 19 (1056) | From the Minister in Colombia Foreign Minister’s belief that the charges can be alleviated although the Ministry of Hacienda insists on the legality of the measure, alleging that similar taxes are imposed in the harbor of New York. |
643 |
| Mar. 28 (1099) | From the Minister in Colombia Information that the tax has been lowered to 15 percent. |
643 |
| Apr. 16 (1159) | From the Minister in Colombia Information that the decree which lowered the tax also provides that the lighters cannot be used after the completion of the wharf now under construction; intention to take up the matter with the Foreign Minister if the company representative is unsuccessful in his efforts. |
643 |
| Apr. 28 (1180) | From the Minister in Colombia Report that the matter has been taken up with the Foreign Minister and that the company representative is now hopeful that they will be allowed to continue to use their lighters after the completion of the wharf. |
644 |
| Apr. 29 (147) | To the Minister in Colombia Advice that the tax situation in New York harbor is being referred to the Treasury Department; instruction to take no further action until a reply is received. |
645 |
| May 9 (62) | From the Minister in Colombia (tel.) Report that the Minister of Hacienda is revoking the part of the decree which prohibits use of the lighters after the completion of the wharf. |
646 |
| June 2 | From the Secretary of the
Treasury Information that it seems probable that there are port or local lighterage taxes assessed at New York which are not controlled in any way by the Federal Government. |
646 |
| June 10 (152) | To the Chargé in Colombia Advice that the Treasury Department’s reply appears not to warrant reopening the discussions with the Colombian authorities. |
647 |
| Aug. 30 (1544) | From the Minister in Colombia Information that the Council of State has suspended the 15 percent tax provisionally while it studies the whole matter. |
647 |
| Sept. 20 (1648) | From the Minister in Colombia Conversation with the company representative, who expressed his company’s pleasure at the outcome of the negotiations. |
648 |
CUBA
Political Unrest in Cuba
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 June 23 (258) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Information that numerous conversations have been held with President Machado and with Colonel Mendieta, leader of the Unión Nacionalista or Opposition party, with a view to encouraging cooperation between them. |
649 |
| July 10 (95) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Intention of President Machado to send a message to Congress asking approval of laws providing for a new census and reform of the electoral code; explanation that these projects should satisfy all the legitimate demands of the Unión Nacionalista. |
650 |
| July 15 (291) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Information that the negotiations between the two parties have failed to achieve an accord because of the Opposition demands that Machado resign. |
650 |
| July 18 (298) | From the Chargé in Cuba Report on the President’s message to Congress asking approval of certain reform projects. |
651 |
| Aug. 8 (329) | From the Chargé in Cuba Report that the Lower House has unexpectedly rejected the President’s message; comments on possible reasons for rejection. Conversation with Mr. Antonio Mendoza, who is trying to effect an accord between the President and the Nacionalista; comments upon the role of the Embassy in any agreement. |
652 |
| Sept. 16 (360) | From the Chargé in Cuba Reactions of various groups to press reports of an alleged statement by the Under Secretary of State (text printed) regarding the possible attitude of the United States in the event of a revolution in Cuba. |
655 |
| Sept. 23 (372) | From the Chargé in Cuba Report on recent political developments in Cuba. |
656 |
| Sept. 26 (376) | From the Chargé in Cuba Press despatches (texts printed) purporting to give the substance of remarks by the Acting Secretary of State to the effect that there is no alarming situation in Cuba which would justify U. S. intervention as suggested by Senator Walsh of Massachusetts. |
659 |
| Sept. 30 (114) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Report of clashes between police and University students in which several were wounded. |
660 |
| Oct. 1 (115) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Precautionary measures being taken to prevent repetition of disorders; opinion that the Government will be strong enough to dominate any situation which may arise. |
661 |
| Oct. 2 (118) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Information that one of the wounded students has died and that precautions are being taken to prevent disorders at his funeral. |
662 |
| Oct. 2 | Memorandum of Conference by the Secretary of State
With the Press Exposition of U. S. policy regarding interference in Cuba given by the Secretary for the background information of the correspondents. |
662 |
| Oct. 2 (119) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Advice that Machado has asked Congress to authorize him to suspend constitutional guarantees in Habana at his discretion. |
665 |
| Oct. 3 | Memorandum of Conference by the Secretary of State
With the Press Affirmative reply of the Secretary to the question of whether there would be an objection to using his name in connection with his statement of October 2; assertion by a correspondent that the newspapers had already attributed the statement to the Secretary. |
666 |
| Oct. 3 (120) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Report that the student’s funeral passed off quietly and that there is no sign of further disturbances. |
666 |
| Oct. 4 (121) | From the Chargé in Cuba (tel.) Advice that Congress has passed law authorizing Machado to suspend constitutional guarantees in Habana and adjacent townships. |
667 |
| Oct. 13 (125) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report that the hope inspired by the sugar stabilization plan and the growing realization that the U. S. policy is one of non-interference have created a distinctly better atmosphere. |
667 |
| Oct. 23 (404) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Emergence from political retirement of Mario G. Menocal, former President of Cuba, and leader of the Conservatives; demands by both Mendieta and Menocal for U. S. intervention in Cuban affairs. |
667 |
| Nov. 1 (128) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report that the November 1 partial congressional elections have passed without incident. |
669 |
| Nov. 11 (133) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report of student disorders in Habana and Santiago. |
669 |
| Nov. 13 (137) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that student disorders have occurred daily in Habana since November 9 and have now become general throughout Cuba; report of steps taken by Machado, including the suspension of constitutional guarantees in Habana. |
669 |
| Nov. 14 (138) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Advice that unofficial good offices are being extended to bring about a modus vivendi between Machado and Menocal and Mendieta. |
670 |
| Nov. 14 (139) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that there have been no disorders in Habana since the knowledge of the suspension of constitutional guarantees became general; report that Arturo Tagle, who claims U. S. citizenship, has been wounded. |
671 |
| Nov. 15 (129) | To the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Expression of concern in regard to Ambassador’s extension of good offices. |
671 |
| Nov. 16 (141) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Explanation of very limited nature of good offices. Information concerning a report of a plan to damage certain U. S. property; possibility that such action may be taken with the deliberate intention of provoking U. S. interference. |
672 |
| Nov. 19 (144) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report that situation is quiet but that there is widespread dissatisfaction with the deadlock between the Government and the Opposition. |
672 |
| Nov. 22 (145) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that Tagle died November 21. Report that the Senate has passed a bill authorizing the President to suspend constitutional guarantees anywhere in Cuba for 60 days. |
673 |
| Nov. 24 (442) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Discussion of the four principal problems involved in Cuba’s situation; indications that the anti-Machado forces will redouble their efforts to induce U. S. intervention, and opinion that such intervention could only have the most harmful consequences for the United States. |
673 |
| Nov. 26 (146) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that the House has passed the Senate bill authorizing the President to suspend constitutional guarantees. |
676 |
| Dec. 1 (150) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that Machado is prepared to sign decrees restoring constitutional guarantees in Habana and reopening University of Habana. |
676 |
| Dec. 4 (155) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Account of demonstration on reopening of University December 3. |
677 |
| Dec. 8 (156) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report that the University is open in theory but that the students refuse to attend. |
677 |
| Dec. 10 (160) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that President Machado has asked his Cabinet to confer and advise him whether in the best interests of Cuba he should resign. |
677 |
| Dec. 11 (162) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report of prevalent student demonstrations and of pressure being brought to bear on Machado to resign. |
678 |
| Dec. 11 (163) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that Machado has signed the bill authorizing him to suspend constitutional guarantees and has simultaneously decreed their suspension. |
678 |
| Dec. 12 (164) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Analysis of the situation in Cuba: Opinion that the basic cause is poverty; discussion of possible developments. |
678 |
| Dec. 12 (142) | To the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Account of press report that the U. S. Ambassador attended a secret session of the Cuban Cabinet; assumption that it is unfounded; request for report. |
679 |
| Dec. 13 (167) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Advice that order has been restored but that the Opposition continues to draw adherents from various classes. |
680 |
| Dec. 13 (169) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Assurance that report of attendance at the Cabinet meeting is without foundation; report that the Cabinet has advised Machado against resignation. |
680 |
| Dec. 15 (467) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Account of the continual embarrassment of the Embassy by rumors such as that set forth in the Department’s 142 of December 12 and by the distortion of news in the press tending to give the impression that the U. S. Government is upholding the Machado administration. |
681 |
| Dec. 16 (171) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report of quiet conditions but many arrests. |
683 |
| Dec. 20 (174) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Information that one newspaper has been suspended and the University has been closed. |
683 |
| Dec. 27 (175) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Government report of attempt at uprising on Christmas Eve; arrest of Colonel Hevia, prominent leader of Nacionalista, and other alleged conspirators. |
683 |
| Dec. 29 (177) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Bitterness aroused by closing of Habana Yacht Club December 28. |
684 |
| Dec. 31 (178) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Arrest of nine associates of ex-President Menocal; understanding that the charge is that of conspiring to foment rebellion. |
684 |
Approval by the Government of the United States of New Financing Arrangements by the Government of Cuba
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 24 (73) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Information that the Cuban Government has decided to conclude arrangements with the Chase National Bank of New York for the financing of the Central Highway; information concerning the terms of the agreement. |
684 |
| Jan. 29 (75) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Conversation with President Machado, in which the President agreed to make available the information concerning Cuban finances necessary for the Ambassador to formulate a recommendation concerning the financing, and in which the President said that, in regard to the Platt Amendment, he would like to have the Bank take up the agreement with the Department and to have the Ambassador notify him of the Department’s decision. |
686 |
| Jan. 31 (77) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Report that the investigation of Cuban finances is proceeding satisfactorily; suggested note (text printed) for informing the Cuban Government of the Department’s lack of objection to the financing. |
688 |
| Feb. 4 (23) | To the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Inquiry as to when the investigation will be completed. |
689 |
| Feb. 5 (17) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Report that recommendation can be made within six hours of receipt of all financial statements. |
689 |
| Feb. 6 (20) | From the Ambassador in Cuba (tel.) Advice that investigation indicates that the present status of Cuban finances would not justify the U. S. Government in raising objection to the proposed Chase financing. |
690 |
| Feb. 8 (63) | To the Ambassador in Cuba Advice that the Chase National Bank has been informed that the Department has no objection to the proposed financing; memorandum to the same effect to be presented to the Cuban Secretary of State (text printed). |
690 |
| Oct. 23 (402) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Information that, since the Chase National Bank is not prepared to issue any of the remaining Special Public Works Bonds, the contractors have offered to arrange for the financing of their work; essential features of the proposal; suggestion that a letter (text printed) be sent to President Machado indicating the Department’s lack of objection. |
691 |
| Oct. 31 (416) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Report that the Cuban Government has accepted the contractors’ proposals, and that on October 29 the suggested letter was sent to President Machado in accordance with the Department’s approval. |
695 |
| Nov. 6 (418) | From the Ambassador in Cuba Letter from President Machado, November 4 (text printed) stating his conformity with the Ambassador’s letter of October 29. |
695 |
The Joseph E. Barlow Claim to Certain Property in Cuba
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 May 9 | Extract From a Press Release Issued by the
Department of State Statement that, in view of Mr. Barlow’s contention that the Cuban courts are prejudiced against him, the U. S. Ambassador in Cuba prepared a plan for private arbitration which the Department approved; information that Mr. Barlow refused to arbitrate, and that the Department does not feel that any action regarding the claim would now be appropriate. |
697 |
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Revolution in the Dominican Republic
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Feb. 24 (11) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Report that in view of the danger from revolutionists, the Foreign Minister has requested asylum for President Vásquez, his wife, and the Vice President; that the President’s wife is now in the Legation and President Vásquez and his party have gone to the fortress. |
699 |
| Feb. 24 (12) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Report that the Vice President has resigned and that the Government promises to annul all amendments to the electoral law made since 1924; information that Mr. Cabot, Third Secretary of Legation, has gone out to try to prevent bloodshed between the revolutionists and the troops sent out to stop them. |
699 |
| Feb. 24 (8) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Request for names of leaders of the revolution and inquiry as to role played by the Army and its commander in chief, Trujillo. |
700 |
| Feb. 24 (13) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Names of leaders of the revolution; advice that Trujillo and the Army are true to the President. |
700 |
| Feb. 24 (14) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Advice that the revolutionists are advancing on the city and that a naval vessel should be sent at once; information that Mr. Cabot has proceeded to Santiago. |
700 |
| Feb. 25 (15) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that No. 14 was in error and that the revolutionists are not advancing but are awaiting the result of Mr. Cabot’s negotiations in Santiago. |
700 |
| Feb. 25 (17) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Names of other leaders of the revolution. |
701 |
| Feb. 25 (9) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Opinion that it would not be wise to send a naval vessel to Santo Domingo in the present circumstances; approval of Legation’s use of good offices in the interest of peace. |
701 |
| Feb. 25 (18) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that both sides are respecting U. S. lives and property, and that Mr. Cabot has returned with proposals of the leaders of the revolution. |
702 |
| Feb. 26 (19) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Report that the revolutionists have entered the city in violation of their promise to Mr. Cabot. |
702 |
| Feb. 26 (20) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that a small British warship will arrive in 20 hours. |
702 |
| Feb. 26 (21) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Basis of agreement suggested to Mr. Cabot by the revolutionary leaders, and advice that the Government is prepared to accept. |
703 |
| Feb. 26 (10) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Approval of action taken; advice that authorization is being sent to offer U. S. good offices, but that nothing should suggest any U. S. involvement in the elections. |
703 |
| Feb. 26 (11) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Authorization to offer good offices. |
704 |
| Feb. 26 (22) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that it is now clear that Trujillo has repeatedly betrayed the Government. |
704 |
| Feb. 26 (12) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Opinion that the situation has not developed sufficiently for any instructions to be given; request for more information. |
705 |
| Feb. 27 (23) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information on political alinements. |
705 |
| Feb. 27 (25) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Terms agreed upon by the President and Estrella Ureña, revolutionary leader, in a meeting at the Legation. |
706 |
| Feb. 27 (13) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information that the British sloop Wistaria is approaching Santo Domingo; opinion that the situation does not warrant the presence of a warship and that it would be very unwise to land forces; authorization to inform British colleague of Department’s opinion. |
706 |
| Feb. 27 (24) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Hope that a final agreement will be reached in a conference to be held in the afternoon. |
707 |
| Feb. 27 (43) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Repetition of telegram No. 13 sent to the Minister in the Dominican Republic on February 27, and suggestion that the British Government be advised. |
707 |
| Feb. 28 (28) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that an agreement has been reached whereby Estrella Ureña will be appointed Secretary of the Interior, following which the President will resign, thus allowing the chief of the revolution to become the Chief of State; advice that the Legation has pointed out the undesirable precedent thus created but has made no objection; hope that no question of recognition will be raised. |
708 |
| Mar. 1 (14) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Advice that inasmuch as all legal forms are to be followed no question of recognition will arise. |
708 |
| Mar. 1 (22) | From the Minister in the Dominican
Republic More extensive report on the revolutionary movement; opinion that the basic cause of the revolution was the economic depression and that the immediate cause was the knowledge that the Army would tacitly assist the revolutionaries. |
709 |
| Mar. 4 (15) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Commendation on success in helping to bring about a peaceful solution. |
717 |
| Mar. 18 (35) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that Trujillo and Estrella have been formally proposed as the Government candidates in the coming elections; President’s desire that a statement be made that the U. S. Government would not recognize Trujillo; inquiry as to whether the Department will make or authorize any statement. |
717 |
| Mar. 19 (19) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Department’s regret that it cannot authorize suggested statement since it desires to avoid even the appearance of interfering; opinion that the only way to prevent candidacy of Trujillo would be by a personal appeal; and confidential information that the Department expects to recognize Trujillo or any other person coming into office in the coming elections. |
718 |
| Mar. 21 (20) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Further suggestions for a personal appeal to Trujillo. |
719 |
| Mar. 21 (37) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Intention to follow the Department’s suggestion. |
720 |
| Apr. 2 (44) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Information that the Opposition has nominated Velázquez and Morales. |
720 |
| Apr. 7 (48) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Report that the President and the civil authorities are doing everything possible to maintain order but have no control over the Army. |
721 |
| Apr. 22 (55) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Report of leave of absence or resignation of various members of the Government to run for office. |
721 |
| Apr. 23 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Dominican Minister in regard to the candidacy of Trujillo. |
721 |
| May 19 (91) | From the Minister in the Dominican
Republic Report that Trujillo was elected President and Estrella Vice President. |
723 |
| June 16 (107) | From the Chargé in the Dominican
Republic Report on various unsuccessful revolutionary activities of the week past. |
723 |
| July 20 (79) | From the Chargé in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Recommendation that authorization be given to make a statement that the United States has no intention of not recognizing Trujillo. |
725 |
| July 22 (31) | To the Chargé in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information, for use at the Chargé’s discretion, that the Department intends to recognize Trujillo. |
726 |
| July 26 (140) | From the Chargé in the Dominican
Republic Report that the information concerning the Department’s intentions was given to the press. |
726 |
| Aug. 9 (34) | To the Chargé in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information that the Minister has been appointed the President’s special representative to attend the inaugural ceremonies of Trujillo. |
727 |
| Aug. 17 (93) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Report that inauguration took place August 16. |
727 |
Hurricane Disaster
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Sept. 4 | From the Dominican Government to the Dominican
Legation at Washington (tel.) Report of appalling situation resulting from a cyclone which destroyed 90 percent of Santo Domingo; request that it be brought to the attention of the U. S. Government, the representatives of friendly nations in Washington, the U. S. press, the Red Cross, and the U. S. people, and that the Department be sounded out as to the possibilities of a loan. |
727 |
| Sept. 4 (95) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Urgent request that a warship with supplies be sent immediately. |
728 |
| Sept. 4 (38) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Report of aid being sent by the Red Cross, including $15,000 to be expended by the Minister. |
728 |
| Sept. 4 (100) | To the Chargé in Haiti (tel.) Inquiry as to whether the hurricane hit Haiti. |
729 |
| Sept. 4 | From President Hoover to President Trujillo
(tel.) Expression of U. S. sympathy for the people of Santo Domingo. |
729 |
| Sept. 4 (39) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Instructions to express to the President and the Dominican Red Cross the sympathy of the American Red Cross. |
729 |
| Sept. 5 (193) | From the Chargé in Haiti (tel.) Report of aid being sent to Santo Domingo by Haiti. |
729 |
| Sept. 5 (42) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information that the Red Cross has contributed $25,000 more for relief work and has suggested that a local committee be formed to assist in its distribution. |
730 |
| Sept. 5 (192) | From the Chargé in Haiti (tel.) Report that Haiti was not damaged by the hurricane. |
730 |
| Sept. 6 (45) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information that the Red Cross is sending Mr. Ernest J. Swift, Director of Insular and Foreign Operations, to Santo Domingo to act in an advisory capacity. |
731 |
| Sept. 6 (98) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Names of members of local committee; report on relief supplies arriving. |
731 |
| Sept. 6 (99) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Name of an additional member of local committee. |
731 |
| Sept. 7 (101) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Request that Red Cross be informed that needs are too great to be supplied by adjacent countries, and that a shipment of surgical supplies be sent from New York. |
732 |
| Sept. 8 (194) | From the Chargé in Haiti (tel.) Report of assistance being furnished from Haiti, information that Trujillo has asked that 50 U. S. marines be sent from Haiti to Santo Domingo. (Repeated to Legation at Santo Domingo.) |
732 |
| Sept. 8 (46) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Opinion that marines should not be sent to the Dominican Republic unless the Minister sees some compelling reason for doing so. |
733 |
| Sept. 9 (104) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Opinion that presence of marines would have very beneficial moral effect. |
733 |
| Sept. 9 (47) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information that Trujillo has requested that a Marine officer be assigned as food administrator, and that the Navy Department is prepared to designate Maj. Thomas Watson; request for opinion. |
734 |
| Sept. 9 (102) | From the Minister in the Dominican Republic
(tel.) Request that Major Watson be rushed to Santo Domingo, preferably as an Attaché of the Legation. |
734 |
| Sept. 10 (48) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Department’s extreme reluctance to have marines sent to Santo Domingo. |
734 |
| Sept. 10 (49) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Information that Major Watson will arrive about September 12 and that he is being designated as Naval Attaché. |
735 |
| Sept. 20 | From President Trujillo to President
Hoover Expression of gratitude for assistance and especially for services of Mr. Ernest J. Swift. |
735 |
| Sept. 20 | From President Trujillo to President
Hoover Tribute to the services rendered by Dr. Lucius M. Johnson, M. C. U. S. N. |
736 |
| Sept. 22 (57) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Advice that Mr. Eliot Wadsworth is being sent to Santo Domingo as the President’s special representative to report to the U. S. Government on Dominican plans for rehabilitation. |
736 |
| Sept. 24 (58) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Instructions to inform Trujillo that Mr. Wadsworth is coming, and to put all the facilities of the Legation at Mr. Wadsworth’s disposal. |
737 |
| Sept. 25 (59) | To the Minister in the Dominican Republic (tel.) Oral remarks made to the press by President Hoover (text printed) regarding Mr. Wadsworth’s mission. |
737 |
| Sept. 26 | From President Trujillo to President Hoover
(tel.) Expression of gratitude for President Hoover’s message of sympathy. |
738 |
| Oct. 30 | From President Hoover to President
Trujillo Expression of gratification that the efforts of Dr. Lucius M. Johnson were helpful. |
738 |
| Oct. 30 | From President Hoover to President
Trujillo Response to President Trujillo’s expression of appreciation for assistance given to the Dominican people; expression of satisfaction in learning of the effective aid given by Mr. Swift of the Red Cross. |
738 |
EGYPT
Provisional Commercial Agreement Between the United States and Egypt According Unconditional Most-Favored-Nation Treatment in Customs Matters, Signed May 24, 1930
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Jan. 29 (9) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Inquiry as to the correctness of the Department’s understanding of the proposed new tariff law. |
740 |
| Jan. 30 (18) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Verification of the Department’s understanding. |
740 |
| Feb. 6 (12) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Suggested statement to be made to the Egyptian Government (text printed) to the effect that the United States will consent to the application of the new customs law to its commerce as of February 17 provided the Egyptian Government will conclude a modus vivendi providing for most-favored-nation treatment until a new commercial convention can be brought into force. |
741 |
| Feb. 7 (22) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Suggestion that the statement be made in the form of a note and that a sentence (text printed) be added. |
742 |
| Feb. 11 (23) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Note from the Foreign Minister, February 10 (text printed) giving notice of the coming into force of the new tariff as of February 17, and signifying Egypt’s willingness to conclude a temporary most-favored-nation agreement. |
742 |
| Feb. 12 (24) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Statement that analysis of revised tariff schedules shows the position of U. S. business to be generally favorable except in the case of petroleum products. |
743 |
| Feb. 15 (15) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Note for the Foreign Minister (text printed) setting forth the terms of U. S. consent to application of the revised tariff rates. |
743 |
| Mar. 19 (36) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Information that the Foreign Minister has submitted drafts of an exchange of notes providing for a temporary modus vivendi not to extend beyond February 16, 1931. |
744 |
| Apr. 21 (29) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Authorization to conclude an agreement based on the Egyptian formula with certain modifications, including a provision that (a) it shall remain in force until the conclusion of a definitive agreement, and that (b) it shall lapse if the action of either legislature should prevent the execution of its terms; authorization to substitute for (a) a provision for termination after 90 days’ notice if necessary. |
745 |
| Apr. 25 (49) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Report of conversation with the Acting Foreign Minister from which it appears that he would prefer the provision for 90 days’ notice. |
747 |
| May 1 (32) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Instructions to make every effort to obtain provision for the agreement to remain in force until a definite treaty is concluded, but, if impossible, to accept the substitute. |
748 |
| May 5 | To the Minister in Egypt Explanation of the necessity for the provision that the agreement shall be terminated should the action of either legislature prevent the execution of its terms. |
749 |
| May 6 (52) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Report of conversation with the Acting Foreign Minister, who maintains that his Government is without authority to make an agreement for the duration desired by the Department. |
750 |
| May 9 (34) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Instruction that the alternative provision for termination on 90 days’ notice should be accepted if the conclusion of the agreement seems likely to be delayed by further insistence on the Department’s formula. |
751 |
| May 15 (53) | From the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Information that the Acting Foreign Minister has agreed to sign the agreement (with the 90 days’ provision) with the exception of one phrase. |
752 |
| May 21 (38) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Explanation of the phrase to which the Acting Foreign Minister objects. |
753 |
| May 26 (392) | From the Minister in Egypt Notes exchanged May 24, and letter addressed to the Foreign Minister May 22 giving the Department’s explanation of the phrase to which objection has been made (texts printed). |
753 |
| Aug. 29 (148) | To the Chargé in Egypt Transmittal of text of commercial convention with Rumania for consideration as a model for the proposed convention with Egypt; request for comments on changes needed. |
756 |
| Nov. 26 (17) | From the Minister in Egypt Information that the provisional tariff regime has been extended for another year after February 17, 1931, and that the diplomatic corps does not expect to receive from the Egyptian Government any proposals for the conclusion of definitive commercial treaties for at least another year. |
756 |
Inquiry With Respect to the Safeguarding of Religious Liberties in Egypt
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 Apr. 21 (334) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Transmittal of a letter from the Egypt Intermission Council expressing concern with regard to the future of religious liberty in Egypt; instructions to ask the British authorities whether any steps are being taken to safeguard religious liberties in the present negotiations between Great Britain and Egypt. |
758 |
| May 5 (866) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Discussion with a Foreign Office official, who explained the British position and said that he felt that the cause of religious liberty would not be advanced by interjecting it into the political agreement now being negotiated. |
759 |
| May 12 (37) | To the Minister in Egypt (tel.) Instructions to inform the American missionaries that the U. S. Government expects them to refrain from such activities as might give rise to anti-American feelings. |
761 |
| June 16 (406) | From the Minister in Egypt Statement by the British High Commissioner that the question of religious liberty has not been touched upon officially; account of informal steps being taken by the British Residency and the U. S. Legation which it is hoped will alleviate the situation. |
762 |
ETHIOPIA
Reaffirmation by the Department of State of Its Attitude With Respect to the Exportation of Arms to Ethiopia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1930 June 6 (131) | To the Chargé in Ethiopia Statement of U. S. policy in regard to the various points involved in the efforts of Mr. George T. Wise to sell arms and ammunition to Ethiopia. |
764 |
Application of Ethiopian Laws and Decrees to American Citizens in Ethiopia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1929 Dec. 26 (211) | From the Minister in Ethiopia Intention of the diplomatic corps to protest to the King against a decree providing for the direct finding of foreigners. |
767 |
| 1930 Feb. 18 (122) | To the Minister in Ethiopia Statement of U. S. policy, and suggestion that a position be taken which is not calculated to obstruct the Ethiopian Government in enacting reasonable laws and that an objection be raised only if the laws discriminate against U. S. citizens or provide punishments shocking to American sensibilities. |
768 |