811.5211B/9–2545
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Interior (Ickes)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: There is enclosed a copy of a note dated September 25, 1945, addressed to the Department,91 from the Chinese Ambassador at Washington92 on the subject of two bills passed by the Congress of the Philippines providing for the nationalization of retail trade and of labor. It is this Department’s understanding that both these measures restrict participation in such activity to Philippine nationals and that the measures do not apply to citizens of the United States.
In connection with the protest lodged by the Chinese Ambassador, the Department encloses for your confidential information a copy of [Page 1229] despatch no. 392 dated September 19, 194593 from the American Consul General at Manila describing and commenting on the two measures. For your further information, the Department has been orally informed by a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Washington that the Chinese Ambassador has recently discussed the legislation on two occasions with President Osmeña.
The protest of the Chinese Ambassador is brought to your attention in the belief that you may, in turn, wish to bring it to the attention of President Osmeña in the hope that no action will be taken by the Commonwealth Government which might adversely affect the good relations between the Commonwealth and the Chinese Government and which might also engender ill feeling between the two peoples.
The Department also has received a telegram from Mr. Alfonso Sycip, President of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce at Manila and a telegram from Mr. Uy Khe Thai of the Chinese Relief and Rehabilitation Committee at Manila,94 protesting against the enactment of the legislation. Copies of these telegrams are enclosed for your information and appropriate action.
The Department trusts that an amicable adjustment of this matter may be effected.
Sincerely yours,
Under Secretary