Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The Far East, Volume IV

811.5034 (China) American Radio Service/20: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart), at Peiping

Washington, March 26, 1940—4 p.m.

47. Chungking’s 142, March 21, 2 p.m.,⁶⁴ your 91, March 21, 3 p.m., and Tientsin’s 42, March 23, noon,⁶⁵ American Radio Service.

1. In view of recent developments, the Department prefers to make no decision at this time in regard to registration of American Radio Service.

2. If the radio stations mentioned as being operated by British companies are operated primarily for communication on company matters with branch offices and steamers, the Department is inclined to consider that they are on a different basis from that of the American Radio Service which is understood to operate primarily on behalf of the public.

3. Under all the circumstances attending the matter and upon the information before it, the Department is not inclined to request that the British authorities assume responsibility for extending protection to the American Radio Service to enable the Radio Service to continue operation in the British Concession. The Department’s position remains as indicated in its telegrams no. 6, January 22, 3 p.m., 1938, to Tientsin,⁶⁷ and no. 237, October 19, 7 p.m., 1939 to Peiping.⁶⁸

4. If the Embassy perceives objection to the attitude expressed above, the Department would welcome the Embassy’s comment in regard thereto. If not, please ask Tientsin to express to Nichols the Department’s attitude.

Sent to Peiping. Repeated to Chungking and Tientsin. Peiping please mail code text to Tokyo.

Hull

64. Not printed.
65. Telegram No. 42 not printed.
67. Foreign Relations, 1938, Vol. iv, p. 247.
68. Not printed.