Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1934, The Far East, Volume III

701.6593/20

Memorandum by the Secretary of State

[Washington,] September 28, 1934.

The Chinese Minister called and referred to the fact that Italy had proposed to raise the rank of Minister to China to that of Ambassador, and inquired whether this Government would be likewise disposed. He stated that Secretary Kellogg⁸¹ on a former occasion had sounded out other governments⁸² to ascertain whether they would be disposed to raise this rank to that of Ambassador, but that for some reason the matter failed. He indicated genuine interest in favorable action.

I replied that I was surprised to learn about the Italian movement, which I only knew about through the public print.⁸³ I added that I would give attention to his request.

C[ordell] H[ull]

81. Frank B. Kellogg, Secretary of State, 1925–29.
82. See Foreign Relations, 1928, vol. ii, pp. 201 ff.
83. Notations on the original documents do not indicate that the previous correspondence on this subject had been routed to the Secretary’s office. On outgoing telegrams the Secretary’s name was initialed by the Under Secretary of State, William Phillips.