893.52/458: Telegram
The First Secretary of Embassy in China (Salisbury) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 27—6:45 a.m.]
327. Following telegram has been sent by the Embassy here to the Ambassador at Hankow:
“May 25, 5 p.m. Tsingtao reports in despatch No. 320 of May 17 that according to the local vernacular press, the Tsingtao Peace Maintenance Commission has promulgated regulations requiring reregistration of land titles between May 16 and September 15. The regulations have not officially been brought to the attention of the Consulate but Gourley states that, unless otherwise instructed, he proposes to inform Americans who may inquire that, (1) the United States does not recognize the Peace Maintenance Commission and its regulations cannot be considered as applicable to Americans, (2) American authorities consider property titles previously issued by the Chinese Government as valid and sufficient, and (3) the Consulate will interpose no objection to voluntary compliance with the regulations by Americans, providing fees for registration are reasonable.
As you have recently instructed Tientsin on a somewhat similar matter, I feel that you may wish to instruct Tsingtao in the present case. I do not believe, however, that it would be necessary or advisable for Gourley to discuss with inquirers the first point mentioned above and I respectfully suggest that he be instructed to confine his advice to the last two points. I would suggest further that he be asked to ascertain and report by radio the views of his colleagues on this question.”
Following telegram has been received from the Ambassador:
“May 26, 1 p.m. Please communicate the following instruction to Tsingtao with reference to Tsingtao’s despatch No. 320 of May 17: [Page 332]
‘With reference to your despatch No. 320 of May 17, I think it inadvisable and unnecessary for you to advise Americans as suggested in your point number 1. I perceive no objection to your advising them as suggested under points numbers 2 and 3. For your guidance in this matter, in respect to a similar situation arising at Tientsin, the Consulate at Tientsin was not clear [informed?] that the Embassy perceives no objection to American owners of property in Tientsin Consular District informing the local authorities of status of their titles to property through the Consul General. With reference to possible payment of taxes to new authorities, Consulate is instructed to notify American citizens that payment of taxes on American property should be made under protest.’
Please repeat your telegram to me and this reply to the Department for its information.”
Ambassador’s instruction was communicated to Tsingtao in Peiping’s May 27, noon.