793.003/11–1742
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Atcheson) of a Conversation With the First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy (Tswen-ling Tsui)
Mr. Tsui telephoned this afternoon and stated that the Chinese Embassy had received a telegraphic instruction from the Chinese Foreign Office at Chungking directing that an additional sentence be inserted in the text of the proposed note from the Chinese Government to this Government, which was attached to the document handed to the Secretary by the Chinese Ambassador on November 10, embodying various Chinese suggestions for modification of our draft treaty. Mr. Tsui asked if it would be necessary for him to deliver the revised text of the proposed note in person or would it suffice if he sent it by messenger. I told him that sending it by messenger would be quite all right. Subsequently I received from him the revised text which is attached hereto,76 the suggested addition being the penultimate substantive sentence reading: “The questions which are not covered by the present treaty and exchange of notes annexed thereto and which affect the sovereignty of the Republic of China, shall be discussed by the representatives of the High Contracting Parties and shall be decided in accordance with the generally accepted principles of international law and modern international practices.”
Mr. Tsui telephoned later to inquire in regard to the receipt of the revised text, and I took the occasion to ask his opinion as to the purpose it was intended to serve. He stated that he assumed it was intended to cover questions such as the stipulation covered in exchange of notes between the British Minister and the Tsung-li Yamen of February 3 and February 13, 189877 to the effect that so long as British trade in China predominates the Inspector General of the Chinese Maritime Customs shall be a British subject. I thanked Mr. Tsui and stated that we would study the matter along with the other Chinese suggestions.