693.0031/11–1944: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:13 p.m.]
1865. Embassy confidentially informed by responsible Chinese officials that statement of general principles governing postwar commercial policy, including but not limited to tariffs, is in advanced stage of preparation. Planned that after approval by Supreme Council National Defense statement will be issued formally.
ReEmbstel 1864, November 19, 9 a.m.
T. F. Tsiang55 states agreement was reached by inter-Ministry Committee November 15 that Government should not adopt position prejudicial to international cooperation or reduction of barriers to trade. He states, however, that China does not want to adopt low tariff policy in advance of other nations; position reportedly adopted calls for moderately high tariff with provisions for adjustment on bilateral rather than most favored nations basis.
Franklin Ho states tariff protection believed necessary because of limited industrialization of China. He states there will be meeting of committee next week and hopes National Defense Council will approve in 3 weeks, after which translation necessary before issuance.
Embassy unable thus far to ascertain subjects other than tariff covered by statement.
- Director of the Political Affairs Department of the Chinese Executive Yuan.↩