793.003/799: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 31—2:30 a.m.]
1158. Legation’s 1152, December 30, 1 p.m. Following from American Consul General at Nanking:
“December 31, 10 a.m. [sic] My December 29, 8 p.m. The following is the Chinese text of the mandate as it appears in today’s issue of the semi-official Chung Tang Jih Pao:
Regarding the application of jurisdiction over foreigners it is to be recalled that the regulations governing application of jurisdiction over foreigners in China in 12 articles were promulgated on May 4th and that it was decided upon to put them into force on and after January 1, 1932, as is on record.
Now due to the famine and calamities in various localities all necessary preparations have not as yet been effected. The enforcement of the said regulations governing application of jurisdiction over foreigners in China should be temporarily postponed. The appropriate authorities are still directed immediately and satisfactorily to complete all preparations in order that a date for enforcement may be fixed and judicial rights respected.
Before dispatching my December 29, 8 p.m., I obtained oral confirmation from an authoritative source.”