893.102S/2467: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
Washington, April 21,
1941—7 p.m.
84. Reference Shanghai’s 444, April 18, 5 p.m., and your 145, April 20, 9 a.m.
- 1.
- Unless you perceive objection, the Department suggests that, as under instruction from the Department, you outline to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation at Shanghai as described in [Page 858] Shanghai’s telegram under reference, pointing out that the American and other interested foreign representatives have exerted strenuous efforts to obtain adjustment of the critical situation in the International Settlement along lines satisfactory to the Chinese Government; that the new arrangement would retain control of the International Settlement in hands friendly to the Chinese Government; and that the International Settlement has over a long period of time provided, and that it continues to provide, protection for the interests of all, including Chinese interests. Express this Government’s hope that the Chinese Government will, as a practical expedient, be able to see its way to refraining from placing obstacles in the way of the acceptance by the Shanghai Municipal Council of a compromise arrangement in regard to the selection of the Chinese members on the Council.
- 2.
- The Department authorizes you, in your discretion, in the light of the results of the approach described in the preceding paragraph, to instruct the American Consul General at Shanghai to inform the Senior Consul that this Government acquiesces in the resolution approved on April 17 by the foreign ratepayers at Shanghai.
Sent to Chungking. Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai. Shanghai please mail code text to Tokyo.
Hull