611.9331/11–2644: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State

1908. Director of Foreign Office Treaty Department informs me that Chinese draft of commercial treaty is almost ready for presentation. We shall, I feel, have lost the considerable advantages to accrue from putting the Chinese Government on notice as to our desires and expectations, as well as some bargaining advantages, if their draft is presented before ours.

Atcheson