893.51/5742: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
53. Your 141, February 13, 5 p.m.,88 and previous. The Department is disposed to adopt the suggestion contained in your 139, February 13, noon; on the condition, however, that preferential lien of loan under reference must not adversely affect payment of any obligation of the Chinese Government held by this Government and/or by American citizens. The American Government might, however, [Page 633] feel obliged sooner or later to lodge a reservation or protest with regard to any American rights that may be found to have been adversely affected.
You may at your discretion explain our position, as above, to your French colleague.
- Not printed.↩