Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1933, The Far East, Volume III

793.94 Advisory Committee/41: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson), at Geneva

Washington, May 12, 1933—5 p.m.

101. Your 177, May 10, 5 p.m., third paragraph.

1. Department does not understand why the question of the status of consuls in Manchukuo in reference to the principle of non-recognition is “pressing”. American consular officers are, as you know, continuing to function in Manchuria and to look after American interests in their respective districts in the same manner as consular officers of other nations.

2. As, in the Department’s opinion, the question of the status of consuls in Manchuria is more delicate than certain other questions connected with the principle of non-recognition, the Department would deprecate especial stress or publicity in regard to the status of consuls. It appears distinctly inadvisable to do anything which would precipitate any action by the Manchuria regime which would make the position of foreign consuls in Manchuria more difficult than it now is.

3. Although the Department would not object to you, if you consider such action advisable, informing the Secretary-General now along the lines of the second sentence of paragraph 1, it suggests that you defer communicating that information until you ascertain the nature of the information furnished by other governments. In case other governments are communicating more detailed information, please inform the Department of the nature of that information, whereupon the Department will give further consideration to the matter.

Hull