393.1163/12–445: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:22 p.m.]
93. [To Embassy:] Your 153, November 28, 2 p.m.55 Matter discussed with Secretary General Shanghai municipal government who likewise disapproves of Consular proclamations. He said that the protection [Page 1414] which would be given depended in the final analysis on the good will and cooperation of the local Chinese authorities and that at the present time the feeling toward the U. S. was very good so that there should be no difficulty in getting protection. He suggested notification of location of properties through Foreign Office to local authorities with request for protection and also display of American alongside Chinese flag over properties. Since Mission properties in question are almost all outside Shanghai and are scattered over several provinces, I believe that notifications should be made through Central Government. On other hand, there are several hundred separate Mission properties whose location would, under this procedure, be notified to the Foreign Office and it is doubtful whether increased protection afforded would compensate for labor involved. Suggest that Embassy request Foreign Office to issue instructions to Provincial Governors to inform Mayors and District magistrates to afford special protection American Mission properties within their jurisdiction. If possible to obtain a copy of such instruction, it could then be reproduced and be posted on Mission premises and would take the place of Consular proclamation and together with Chinese and American flags should afford some protection. Sent to Chungking, repeated to Dept.
- Not found in Department files; it probably was sent from Chungking to Shanghai and not repeated to Department.↩