793.003/781: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)
[Paraphrase]
Washington, October 26, 1931—2
p.m.
101. For the Minister: Your 709, October 6, 1 p.m., concerning extraterritoriality.
- (1)
- Through our London Embassy the Department has now received a British Foreign Office memorandum dated October 5, 1931, which comments upon the Department’s July 14 memorandum and draft of article XVI on reserved areas mentioned therein. This British memorandum in substance shows a decided preference for the Chinese-British draft of article XVI, which was initialed on June 6 at Nanking. A copy of this memorandum is being mailed to you by the Department.
- (2)
- The Department is sending through our London Embassy in reply to the Foreign Office a memorandum as follows:
- [Here follows text of memorandum printed on page 918.]
- (3)
- The Department feels that for the present discussion with the Chinese Government on the subject of extraterritoriality might be left in abeyance to the advantage of all concerned. It is suggested that you take no initiative in this regard; and, should the Chinese broach the subject to you, before making any commitment you should report to the Department.
- (4)
- In the interim, however, if Lampson has been furnished with a copy of the British Foreign Office memorandum dated October 5, you may discuss with him the points raised by the latter in the light of the Department’s July 14 memorandum. After your discussion you should give the benefit of your views to the Department.
Stimson