711.9327/12–2347: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:44 p.m.]
2448. Question of last date consultations (ReDeptels 1454, December 2, 6 p.m., and 1541, December 19, 6 p.m.12) may commence according [Page 1427] to article 11 air agreement not yet resolved. Note, conveying Department’s request that Chinese outline specific points on which they wish consult and expressing Department’s view that 60-day period should commence when such points formally conveyed to Embassy, prepared in accordance Deptel 1372, November 10 and mentioned Embtel 2261, November 20, was dispatched November 27 to Foreign Office. No response to Embassy’s note November 27 has yet been received.
Prior to dispatching Embtel 2261, Civil Air Attaché had conducted series of informal talks with Lin of Ministry Communications but in view of apparent desire Department (Deptel 1372, November 10) that delaying tactics be employed in effort to postpone consultation no further discussions with Chinese Government officials have been held. Embassy is of opinion that to raise with Chinese question of last date consultation may begin will serve to impress them with sense of urgency on U. S. side which does not exist.
It is desired to emphasize that summary in Embtel 2261 of Dr. Lin’s statements to Civil Air Attaché does not necessarily represent final and official position of Chinese Government regarding revision agreement. This preliminary summary was transmitted by Embassy for Department’s information.
Unless instructed otherwise, [Embassy will?] continue its policy of awaiting for official reply from FonOff and will now [not?] again raise question of last date consultation may commence.
FonOff reply, with Embassy’s comments, will be transmitted promptly to Dept when received. If consultation requested Embassy perceives no objection conducting negotiations Nanking with assistance Civil Air Attaché.
- Latter not printed.↩