793.003/686: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 19—9:25 a.m.]
Your 35, May 8, 6 p.m. I read paragraph (1) of this telegram to C. T. Wang, and he chose to interpret it as a Department admission of having attempted to slow down the British. I also read paragraph (2) to him. In the press there is some intimation that the Government may be intending to transmit to us officially the text of their mandate and regulations mentioned in my May 5, 3 p.m. Would the Department have any advice to give me in the event of such action by the Chinese Government? I have been thinking about refusing to accept such a communication. In view of the present negotiations I have expected the Foreign Office to adopt the wise course and not communicate the mandate officially to me.