893.01 Manchuria/1193: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29—11:50 a.m.]
546. Following has been received from Harbin.
“54, November 28, 1 p.m. Mayor Lu Jung-huan of Harbin has been appointed ‘Governor of Pinchiang-Province’ with provincial capital at Harbin. He has signified his intention of inviting the consuls to his inauguration ceremony on December 1st and of calling upon them provided they will receive him and return his calls. The British and senior consul informs me that some of the consular representatives in Harbin have accepted the proposal with pleasure. All of the consular officers here know Mr. Lu and many of them attended his inauguration as Mayor of Harbin. If the matter is left to my discretion I shall not attend the inauguration ceremony but will receive and return Mr. Lu’s call.”
Legation has replied as follows:
“November 29, 3 p.m. Your 54, November 28, 1 p.m. Legation approves your proposed course of action but suggests that in returning the call you do so informally using your personal card.
Department has been informed.”