893.51/5721: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)
75. For the Minister. Your December 13, 1 p.m., reference and last paragraph.
1. Department requests that you review carefully the whole text of its mail instruction 853,82 especially the last paragraph.
Department feels that when next this subject is broached to the Chinese Government the approach should be made in a manner which will carry conviction that this Government regards the matter seriously. Department therefore does not approve of “sounding out” the Minister for Foreign Affairs at this time.
2. Department requests your comment at an early date, by cable or naval radio, (a) on the contemplated line of procedure outlined in its No. 853 and (b) whether in your opinion the near future would be a propitious moment to make strong representations in this connection.