711.9321/8–2444: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
1173. 1. Department authorizes insertion of words “without delay” in last sentence, paragraph 2, Article VIII draft Consular Convention (your 1453, August 24, 4 p.m.).
2. With a view to meeting points raised in second paragraph of reference telegram, please reword first sentence of paragraph 2, Article VII to read as follows:
“The quarters where consular business is conducted, all consular correspondence in transit under official seal and all papers, records and correspondence comprising the consular archives shall at all times be inviolable, and under no pretext shall any authorities of any character of the country in which such quarters or archives are located invade such premises or make any examination or seizure of papers or other property in such quarters or of such archives.”
3. Department suggests that you defer presentation of Consular Convention to Foreign Office in order that you may make such further comments as you may desire.
4. When draft is presented to Chinese Foreign Office you may at such time give a copy confidentially to your British colleague. Please inform Department of exact date you propose to present draft to the Chinese.