793.003 Manchuria/4: Telegram
The First Secretary of Embassy in China (Merrell) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 2—7 a.m.]
333. Following telegram has been received from the Consul General at Mukden:
“July 1, 6 p.m. Kokutsu published text of statement issued today in the name of the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the future status of extraterritorial nationals other than Japanese. The statement declares that whereas, in practice, Manchukuo has hitherto accorded as a favor to nationals of countries which enjoy extraterritorial rights in China similar treatment, it has been decided to abolish [Page 231] this treatment gradually. The statement concludes with the announcement that Manchukuo desires to reach agreements with interested governments regarding the future status of their nationals on the basis of justice, fairness and equality and that it is prepared to enter into negotiations to that end.”