893.05/216: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—6:45 a.m.]
1177. My 1168, December 19, 11 a.m. Following joint telegram was sent yesterday by the interested Heads of Legation to the foreign delegates. Shanghai has been informed.
“You should inform the Chinese representatives that, as, in view of the delay entailed by the necessity of references to the Legations and Governments concerned, it is possible that the negotiations may not be concluded before the end of the year, we assume that nothing will be done to disturb the status quo in the meanwhile. You may also at your discretion give the Chinese representatives clearly to understand that any attempt at the unilateral cancellation of the existing system will not only prejudice the prospects of an early settlement but may entail serious results and precipitate the very deadlock which we are all anxious to avoid.”