493.11/2112: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 16—10:30 a.m.]
175. Various Japanese have shown a lively interest lately in the Fan Biological Institute at Peiping, which was built with American remitted Boxer Indemnity funds and which is supported by the China Foundation. No Americans are at present directly connected with the Institute. The Institute has now received a letter from the North China Affairs Bureau of the South Manchuria Railway Company stating that the Institute is suitable as a residence and that a company representative will discuss with the Institute procedure and conditions for purchase. The Institute has replied that it does not wish to sell. In view of the possibility of pressure being brought to bear on the staff of the Institute, does the Department have any objection to my orally informing the Japanese Embassy of the American financial assistance to the Institute and to expressing the hope that no action will be taken by the Japanese which might adversely affect it? Please expedite reply.
Repeated to Ambassador, Hankow.