893.102 Kulangsu/260: Telegram

The Consul at Amoy (MacVitty) to the Secretary of State

Department’s 272, September 1, 5 p.m. to Tokyo. In view of changed world conditions and the withdrawal of British and French landing parties, the Municipal Council now seems reluctantly willing to agree to the Japanese proposals, including an inspector general of police, as outlined in Tokyo’s 429, August 23, 8 p.m., to the Department. A settlement in the near future seems likely if detailed Japanese proposals are not unreasonable. Discussions to draft a final agreement will take place next week between Uchida and the Municipal Council.

In thus capitulating, the Municipal Council realizes that it can achieve merely a respite only until such time as the Japanese decide to press further demands with the development of their continental policy. Uchida remarked on one occasion that the demands for the franchise of Formosans and for the appointment of Chinese Councilors from the Amoy regime would be revived at a suitable opportunity, “such as when Japan recognizes a new central Chinese Government”.

Sent to Peiping, Chungking. Peiping please repeat to Tokyo.

MacVitty