793.94/2741: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—5:15 a.m.]
954. Mandate of National Government issued 16th refers to situation in Manchuria and proceeds:
“All agreements of sale or lease or those similar to a lease or sale concerning forests, mining property, barren land, fishing grounds and railways in China, et cetera, either owned by local governments, public or private legal bodies or individuals, which have been made clandestinely with foreigners without authorization of the appropriate ministry of the Central Government, shall all become null and void, in order that national sovereignty and the people’s livelihood may be protected.”