611.9331/193a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
Washington, June 2, 1934—3
p.m.
158. Department’s 95, April 4, 6 p.m. in regard to treaty revision.
- 1.
- Under date April 20, the Embassy at London informed the Department69 that this matter had been discussed with an officer of the Foreign Office who stated that “present Government had formulated no opinion of policy as yet as regards Chinese extraterritoriality but that Foreign Office draft note of reply, awaiting approval of Simon,70 stated in substance that while Britain was prepared to discuss commercial matters arising under the treaties, British extraterritorial rights could not be considered until the Chinese Government had made further progress on these lines with other nations.…”
- 2.
- Under date May 17 the Embassy at London further informed the Department71 “that the British Minister in China has now been instructed regarding the reply he is to send to the Chinese Government in regard to their request for the revision of the Sino-British commercial treaty, and to keep in touch with the American Minister in any discussions regarding extraterritoriality that may arise. The [Page 533] Foreign Office again indicates that this question was not specifically mentioned in the Chinese communication to the British Government.”
- 3.
- The above is communicated to you for your information in the event that the British Minister approaches you or in the event that you have occasion to approach him on the subject.
Phillips