893.512/885: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
854. 1. Following from Canton:
“December 1, 1 p.m. Before releasing lighters Canton Government is demanding adequate money guarantee by Standard Oil Company or official statement signed by me that the company will comply with the final decision in the case. I understand unofficially this is intended to save face and that no further action is to be taken, but as it seems evident that if this demand is complied with we shall be submitting to Chinese jurisdiction, I am not inclined to give any guarantee in the sense indicated but propose to reply in a formal note to the Foreign Office assuring Canton Government that the consulate general will be prepared to deal in the usual course with any demands that may be received from local government in respect to this case.
If the Legation has any suggestions to offer I shall be most happy to receive them. I shall adopt a conciliatory tone but surrender no treaty rights.”
2. I have replied as follows:
“December 3, 4 p.m. Your December 1, 1 p.m. Your proposed reply to the Foreign Office is approved. Please continue to keep the Legation fully informed as to any developments.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩