704.5493/14

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

No. 394

Sir: You are informed that in a note dated December 8, 1926, which has been received from the Legation of Switzerland at Washington,47 request is made that, in view of the present conditions in China, the Government of the United States may authorize the protection by its diplomatic and consular officers in China of Swiss citizens in that country.

You are accordingly authorized, provided that Chinese authorities approve, to extend your unofficial good offices in behalf of Swiss citizens in China and you are requested so to inform the American consular officers in such places in China as the Government of Switzerland has no representative. You will also please request all the American consular officers in China to report by mail the exact date on which they assume Swiss representation and whether in any case they take over the custody of Swiss archives or other official property. In such event, they should also furnish the Department with an inventory of the property coming into their possession. A similar report should be submitted by your Mission.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Joseph C. Grew
  1. Not printed.