811.5293/5–347: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 3—6:03 a.m.]
952. In response to an urgent inquiry, Foreign Office has informed Embassy in note dated April 30 that Consulate General, Shanghai, may request of land authorities there extension of April 30 deadline for property registration on behalf unknown American owners, that authorities may on basis such request extend deadline, and that foregoing has been telegraphed to Shanghai municipal government. (Department’s telegram 488, April 25, repeated Shanghai as Department’s 677.)
Considering note somewhat ambiguous, Embassy inquired orally of Foreign Office whether meaning was that a blanket extension might be requested for unknown American owners without submitting names and other details, and was assured that such was intended. However, Foreign Office representative added that foregoing procedure not cleared with Land Administration, Nanking, because lack of time and requested that Foreign Office be informed of any difficulty encountered in obtaining blanket extension. Embassy accordingly suggests Shanghai apply for blanket extension and report results.
Question raised in second paragraph reference telegram is receiving [Page 1390] Embassy’s attention, and Embassy’s views thereon will be formulated following consultation with Dr. Bacon, who is expected to return Nanking on May 3.
Sent Shanghai 406, repeated Department 952.