741.933/98: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
3199. Your 3594, June 29, 2 p.m. In the light of your telegram I have reviewed the matter. In doing so I of course have had in mind the whole of what I said in my letter of May 31, 1941, to the Appointed Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, which was released to the press on May 31. This Government favors and regards itself pledged to relinquishment of this country’s extraterritorial rights in China. We would be prepared to make such relinquishment at the earliest moment when it could be made with due consideration for the immediately imperative common interests and objectives of the several parties most concerned.
This Government has, as has the British Government, been giving continuing study to this whole question. Our attitude continues to be that expressed in the Department’s memorandum to the British Embassy of May 6, which attitude I understand to be in general conformity with the British position. I call special attention to the last paragraph of the memorandum of May 6. I shall of course keep in [Page 282] mind the views expressed to you by Mr. Eden as reported in your telegram under reference and the fact that Mr. Eden attaches special importance to the matter.
Please inform Mr. Eden of the foregoing.