124.93/334: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:40 p.m.]
415. Department’s 204, August 22, 1 p.m. Both Peck and I have carefully kept Cadogan19 and Counselor Howe informed of every step of our decisions regarding Nanking. We have been particularly careful to keep nothing concealed. I say this because of implication in Department’s telegram that we may have failed in some way in this manner. In discussing matter with newspapermen, private individuals, and Chinese authorities, we have been equally scrupulous. I have at all times tried to make it abundantly clear that American Government has never had any idea of abandoning its position here in Peiping.
I regret to state that I cannot say the same either for Cadogan or for Howe, although our relations are, and have been, most cordial and they have always been willing to give us information in reply to direct questions. At some time, still unknown to this Embassy, but believed to have been prior to Cadogan’s departure, the British Embassy or Board of Works [Consulate General?] at Shanghai began negotiations with Chinese for purchase of a site for British Embassy at Nanking. I learned of this indirectly from third parties, and only accidently, a short while ago. Inquiries have confirmed fact, but have produced little or no personal reasons; however, it would appear from information obtained from third parties that negotiations have proceeded to the point where a site has been chosen on road leading to Ho Ping [Page 551] Men north of Central Party Headquarters in Nanking; that the site is a fairly large one and that plans for Embassy buildings have been drawn and are now under consideration. It is understood that check for site has not yet been handed over. It is knowledge of these negotiations which has given rise to reports through both press and statement in Parliament on July 27. Recent statements by subordinate officers of British Embassy to subordinate members of this Embassy indicate that it is not expected that necessary Embassy buildings in Nanking will be ready within 5 years. Before Cadogan left he told me in a conversation which I had with him that it was going to be necessary for him to take most of his staff to Nanking. At that time, however, our conversation concerned the renovation, then completed, of the old quarters of the British Consulate General and Customs owned houses at Nanking which were being made over for the residence and accommodation of the British Ambassador and staff. Cadogan stated that it was his understanding that British Ambassador will continue to use Peiping dwelling from time to time.
German Embassy moved to Nanking last fall and is now permanently located there, maintaining a junior staff officer here in Peiping.
Japanese Embassy has moved and for some time has been trying to purchase a site in Nanking without success. Japanese Ambassador told me the other day that he expected to continue to use residence in Shanghai at least for the time being.
German Government has for some years owned a large plot of land near the present Railway Ministry site at Nanking. They are now negotiating for the purchase of a small plot to connect the old plot with the Chung Shan Road, but they have no immediate plans for building.
- Sir Alexander M. G. Cadogan, British Ambassador in China.↩