Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, The Far East, Volume III

893.5211/34: Telegram

The Minister in China ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State

Peiping , March 27, 1931—5 p.m.
[Received March 27—9:25 a.m.]

172. Reference Senior Minister’s circular No. 20 of March 20 [4], 1930.⁶ Following has been received from Hankow:

“March 26, 3 p.m. Vernacular newspapers have published a proclamation issued by the Bureau of Finance of the Hankow Municipal Government requiring the submission of white deeds⁷ for stamping⁸ before April 1, failing which a fine is to be imposed. I have received no official notice of this requirement. Owners of white deeds hesitate to submit them for stamping and in view of Legation’s circular instructions No. 393 of December 13, 1929, and No. 5 of February 14, 1930,⁹ I respectfully request telegraphic instructions as to what advice should be given holders of white deeds that have not been stamped of which there are a considerable number recorded in this consular jurisdiction.”

Department’s telegraphic instructions are requested as soon as possible.

For the Minister:

Perkins

6. Not printed.
7. Contracts between individual parties.
8. When so approved, the deeds become “red deeds.”
9. Neither printed.