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  4. Document 549

893.20 Missions/10–2446: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

Nanking , October 24, 1946—4 p.m.
[Received 5 p.m.]

1730. Foreign Office has given Embassy following draft of “agreed minutes” which it suggests be attached to the US Military Advisory Group agreement, indicating that it believed that these pro forma or minor procedural points could best be made without changing the wording of the agreement itself:

  • “1. With reference to article 4 (b) it is understood that a notice shall be given to the Chinese Government prior to the recall of the entire personnel of the group by the Government of the US.
  • 2. With reference to article 13, it is understood that request for exemption from customs duties on material, equipment, supplies and goods imported for official use of the group or the personal use of the members the group and of members of their families, after having been approved by the Ambassador of the US, shall be transmitted to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a view to issuing instructions to the Chinese customs authorities. Previous notices shall be given to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the event that such material, equipment, supplies and goods as mentioned above are reshipped from China.
  • 3. With reference to article 21, it is understood that, in cases involving Chinese nationals, the Chinese Government shall be informed through diplomatic channel of actions taken by the American service courts and authorities.”

Foreign Office questioned as to acceptability of articles 16, 17 and 19 as redrafted (Deptel 418, July 8, 7 p.m., and subsequent telegrams), made typical reply that in its opinion suggested change[s] were acceptable to Chinese Government but that Ministry National Defense would not wish to commit itself unnecessarily far in advance of signature.

Stuart