893.74/266: Telegram

The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

47. My telegram no. 14, January 7.90 A communication was addressed a few days ago to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs by the Japanese Minister here in which the latter described the Federal Telegraph Company’s contract as an infringement upon the contract of the Mitsui Company and requested that the Federal contract be canceled in order to maintain good relations between Japan and China.

The Chinese Ministry of Communications refuses to consummate with the Federal Telegraph Company the arrangements made necessary by the inclusion of the Radio Corporation of America for the two following reasons: (1) Fear that the charge will be incurred that the Ministry has made a new contract, with the resulting danger of Parliamentary attack, and (2) on account of the latest protest by Japan. It is requested by the Ministry of Communications that the American Government secure the withdrawal of the Japanese protest.

I shall send to the Minister for Foreign Affairs the note suggested in your telegraphic instruction no. 299 of December 2891 and I respectfully recommend that at the same time the Department press the matter with the Japanese Government.

I have mailed a copy of this telegram to our Embassy in Japan.

Schurman