893.5034 Registration/74: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 27—10:25 a.m.]
920. Embassy’s 540, March 28, noon. Minister of Economic Affairs informs us that Commercial Attaché misunderstood party in conversation March 25 (see also our despatch 2364, March 28) possibly because terms “incorporation” and “registration” were similarly used in Chinese practice and that his remarks on that occasion had been with reference to incorporation by foreigners of companies in China.
In response to the Counselor’s11 inquiries, the Minister stated specifically and repeatedly that registration regulations are not being revised; that foreign companies having branches here must conform to the regulations and register as soon as possible with the Chungking Bureau of Social Affairs, which acts as agent of the Department of Commerce of the Ministry of Economic Affairs; and that, because of the misunderstanding, the Bureau of Social Affairs has been given authority to extend the time limit for registration over a further reasonable period. The Minister said that photostatic copies of required documents would be acceptable.
With reference to Department’s mail instruction 628, May 3,12 we are furnishing the Minister copy of National Foreign Trade Council’s memorandum12 and pointing out practical impossibility of compliance with certain of the regulations, especially as regards some of documents required. Meanwhile American companies having branch offices here should furnish their branches without delay all required documents (or photostatic copies thereof) which are available.