893.48/1213: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai ( Gauss )

430. Your 735, September 20, 4 p.m. Following from the Vice Chairman of the American Red Cross:

“Acknowledgment is made of your letter of September 22nd16 enclosing a telegram dated September 20th from the American Consul General at Shanghai, raising certain questions as to relief organization in China. The telegram is most interesting and we are glad to have it.

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I have consulted Admiral Grayson with reference to the text and he has asked me to state that the usual procedure of the American Red Cross is to give sympathetic consideration to the recommendations of the International Red Cross Committee or its delegates in situations such as exist in China today.

The delegate of the International Red Cross Committee, Colonel Charles de Watteville, left Europe September 4th by airplane for Singapore and intended to go from there to Shanghai via Hong Kong. He should now be in China or should shortly arrive there. He will call immediately upon the Chinese Red Cross and will undoubtedly be available for consultation.

Therefore, the Consul General or any interested persons might arrange a conference with Colonel de Watteville regarding the form of participation of Americans or other nationals in the work of the Chinese Red Cross.

It would also seem preferable if a committee is to be formed that it be international rather than American, thereby coordinating the relief activities as well as other responsibilities.”

Hull
  1. Not printed.