893.711/107: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received June 28—7:50 a.m.]
562. Department’s 114, April 7, 2 p.m., law of publications. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now given a written undertaking which I consider as compliance with the Department’s requirements as set forth in its 373, November 21, 5 p.m., 1932,84 and as mentioned in the last paragraph of my 220, March 7, 3 p.m. British Legation has received similar note.
2. With the Department’s approval I propose to acknowledge the receipt of the Ministry’s note summarizing the undertakings set forth therein and continue as follows:
“From the assurances conveyed in the note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under acknowledgment I understand that all that is required in the case of American newspapers and periodicals is a mere pro forma registration with the Ministry of the Interior only and solely for statistic compilation purposes in return for which such registered American newspapers and periodicals would be assured of special postal rates. I further understand that no effort will be made by the Chinese Government to enforce any penal provisions of the law of publications upon any American newspaper or periodical.
Upon the receipt of confirmation of my understanding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ assurances as stated above I am prepared to recommend American newspapers and periodicals to register as requested.”
3. My British colleague is similarly replying to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.