124.93/270
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Phillips)
[
Washington
,] October 9, 1934.
During his call this afternoon the Chinese Minister referred to the fact that a day or so ago he had asked the Secretary whether the United States Government was prepared to follow the Italian initiative in raising the American Legation in Peking to the rank of Embassy. Mr. Hull at that time had informed the Minister that he was giving the matter consideration.
I informed Minister Sze that we had now decided not to follow the lead of the Italian Government and would not, therefore, take any step in that direction at the present time.
W[illiam] P[hillips]