793.003C73/120

The Secretary of State to the Chinese Minister (Sze)

Sir: I have the honor to refer to your memorandum of March 27, 1924, in which you convey the request of the Chinese Government that this Government should approach the Powers participating in, or adhering to, Resolution V of the Washington Conference regarding extraterritoriality in China with a view to obtaining their unanimous consent to the convening of the Commission on a definite date.

After careful consideration of your request, this Government is convinced that the present moment is not an opportune one to make the representations in question. It accordingly suggests that the Chinese Government may wish to reconsider its request and postpone the proposed action for the time being. Let me, however, assure you that this Government will not, in any case, fail to urge the fixing of a definite date for the convening of the Commission as soon as it may appear that such action would be likely to bring about a favorable result.

Accept [etc.]

Charles E. Hughes