124.93/8–2749: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China ( Jones ) to the Secretary of State

1915. Embassy has interviewed Woo Yun-chih recently nominated Judge of People’s Court for service probably Nanking or Shanghai but temporarily advisor on international law to Communist authorities Peiping. Introduced by AstAMilAt Beebe,66 [as] formerly editor World Culture and graduate Soochow Law School. Says authorities reconsidering question status foreign diplomatic and consular personnel. Discussed with him memo on recognition and status prepared in Embassy May 967 with which Ambassador is familiar. Woo appeared genuinely interested and asked for copy to take Peiping to which we agreed. Impressed on him that our prime interest in status question not personal immunities and courtesies but:

(1) Right to represent American citizens in their personal and property rights. (2) Right to access to Communist officials. (3) Right to confidential communications. (4) Right to travel to and from posts. Woo apparently already engaged question taxation Government property (Depcirtel August 26, 6 a. m.68) and seems to share generally accepted views this point.

Sent Department 1915, repeated Shanghai 1050.

Jones
  1. Maj. John E. Beebe, Jr., Assistant Military Attaché in China.
  2. Not found in Department of State files.
  3. Not printed.