893.6581/5: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Gauss)
24. Reference Nanking’s No. 7, January 22, 1 p.m., to the Department in regard to reported sugar monopoly. In view of the increasing number of indications that the Chinese Government is considering the creation of various kinds of commercial monopolies, the Department inclines to the view that this situation should be followed with care to the end that, whenever appropriate and practicable, steps be taken to record with the appropriate Chinese authorities the fact that such monopoly projects, if put into effect, would contravene the provisions of existing treaties.
Department therefore suggests that the Chargé, while avoiding action which would place him or the American Government in a position of instigator, endeavor to ascertain orally and informally the views in regard to this subject of his principally interested colleagues and that thereafter he report to the Department by telegram.