893.9111 RR/6–1749: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai ( Cabot ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 17—2:01 p. m.]
2316. China Daily Tribune (connected with Chen Ming-shu56) June 15, carries editorial entitled “Please Stop Acting Like Overlords”. Editorial referred to series incidents involving foreigners (remytel 2290, Department June 16) and stated that in Kmt days common for foreigners to insult China with Chinese person always suffering. According to editorial, “kowtow” diplomacy pursued by reactionary government and attitude bogus officials in currying favor with foreigners have cultivated arrogant attitude on part of “foreign masters.” Chiang Kai-shek’s57 “equal treaties” were exposed as fakes by humiliating murder of Shanghai rickshaw coolie, rape of Peiping co-ed, and Kowloon incident. Except for Soviet citizens and those of East European democracies who treat Chinese on basis of equality, nationals of all imperialistic countries have considered Chinese lower class before whom they can display air superiority and whom they can insult as they like, and treat in same way as conquerors treat slaves in colonial possessions. This superiority complex so deep-seated that even after liberation Shanghai foreigners still audacious enough hold Chinese people in contempt. Liberated Chinese people cannot tolerate foreigners’ special privileges. Foreigners cannot disobey laws People’s [Page 1172] Government and if they continue insult Chinese people shall be subjected to reasonable judgment of law. Editorial continued “we are not advocates of blind anti-foreignism, nor do we support narrow-minded principle of retaliation”. Editorial quoted point 8 of PLA proclamation regarding protection lives and property foreigners as proof that People’s Government treats Chinese citizens and foreigners on equal basis, and concluded “all those who obey laws are our good friends”.
Repeated Nanking 1223, Off Emb, Canton.