811.203/208: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:43 p.m.]
43. I have discussed with Foreign Minister the subject of criminal jurisdiction over American military personnel as directed in your 18, January 4, 7 p.m. Soong stated he accepts the principle and is agreeable to exchange of notes but suggests that the text of Anglo-American [Page 694] notes on same subject be obtained and followed as closely as possible. He remarked that this is lazy man’s suggestion to avoid necessity of legal examination of texts but I suspect he wishes to be able to assure the Generalissimo5 that we are treating with China on the same basis of equality that we deal with Britain. I told Soong that I had no doubt our draft of proposed exchange of notes followed substantially the arrangement with Britain but that I did not have text of that arrangement. I await Department’s further instructions.
- Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Chinese Executive Yuan (Premier).↩