611.9331/183: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 22—4:45 a.m.]
132. Your 64, March 13, noon. I assume that Department’s proposal covers a suggestion that China offer proposals regarding treaty revision as it would apply to proposal which could be discussed by all of the interested powers including Japan, for Japan of course is one of the powers very much interested. I also assume that Department’s proposal is for joint rather than separate negotiation between the powers and China concerning extraterritoriality. I am sure that these questions will be asked in Nanking should the Department’s proposals be taken up and before giving consideration to the feasibility of making this approach to the Chinese authorities I would like to have the Department clarify this aspect of the situation. Participation by Japan in any joint discussions with China concerning extraterritoriality at this time would be likely to introduce embarrassing situation.