693.116/112: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 8—8:45 a.m.]
842. Legation’s 840, November 7, noon. Following from American Consul General at Canton to the Legation and Nanking:
“November 7, 6 p.m. My telegram of November 4, 4 p.m. This afternoon British Consul General and I have received identic replies from Inspector General for Foreign Affairs stating that he referred our letter to the Reconstruction Bureau and is now in receipt of a reply from the Bureau stating that the Chinese authorities have no idea of proclaiming or enforcing laws and regulations governing oil factories which are in contravention of treaties in force.
- 2.
- The Chinese text follows that set forth in our note to Inspector General and we are both satisfied that we can safely accept this assurance that the foreign oil companies will not prejudice their treaty rights by registering. We are of the opinion that the intention of the local authorities now is to concentrate on collection of revenue rather than to restrict activities of foreign oil companies.
- 3.
- May I advise American companies to apply for registration in the terms of the application form?”
The Minister will issue instructions to Canton.