893.102S/2473: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Chungking, April 19,
1941—4 p.m.
[Received April 20—6:55 a.m.]
[Received April 20—6:55 a.m.]
144. Shanghai’s 444, April 18, 5 p.m.
- 1.
- With reference to paragraph 2, I may say that I personally met Wang Shiao-lai, Chairman of the Chinese Ratepayers Association, at the home of the Minister of Communications, along with Yu Ya-ching on April 13 here at Chungking.
- 2.
- I observe no reason why we should not approve resolution of foreign ratepayers adopted April 17 which did not, I understand, contain names of Chinese council members.
- 3.
- As to paragraph 4, it seems to me it is ultra vires for council members to pass on acceptability of Chinese council members as indicated by reply of council to telegram from Chungking.
- 4.
- It is my opinion that in approving resolution American Consul General should carefully avoid giving approval to any Chinese council members, as it is my understanding that the Chinese Government here will formally and publicly denounce legality of status of members other than those mentioned in paragraph numbered 1 of my April 15, 6 p.m. to Shanghai and will perhaps go so far as to denounce whole provisional arrangement if puppet nominees are placed on the council.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai.
Johnson