793.943 Manchuria/5
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of the Legation’s confidential despatch No. 3382 under date February 27, 1935, forwarding and commenting upon Mukden’s despatch No. 51 of February 16, 1935, in regard to the possible relinquishment by Japan of its extraterritorial rights in “Manchukuo”.
The Department notes the views expressed by Consul General Ballantine and the Legation’s comments with regard to the matter of withdrawing American consular representatives from Manchuria in the event of the relinquishment by Japan of extraterritorial rights in that territory and of an attempt by the “Manchukuo” authorities to assume jurisdiction over American nationals. In considering this subject the Department would necessarily take into account not only tangible American interests which are discussed in the despatches under reference but also political interests viewed from the standpoint of American policy, a phase of the subject which was not touched upon either by the Legation or the Consul General. It is suggested, therefore, that in reporting further on this subject the Legation and the Consulate General give consideration to these political factors as well as the more tangible material ones in formulating recommendations in the premises.
The Department desires that the Legation keep it currently informed of developments and of the views of other interested legations in regard to these questions.
Very truly yours,