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This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be
returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
Decypher.
D.
From CHINA
Sir M. Lampson (Nanking
30th July, 1931.
31st July, 1931.
Re 9.00 p.m. 31st July, 1931.
No. 8.
(Tour).
Extraterritoriality.
United States Minister has communicated to me
for my comments State Department's re-draft of
Article XVI with covering memorandum which he states
have been transmitted to London.
2.
I am replying that I think re-draft is an admirable one from our point of view. Whether
Chinese can be induced to consider it is another matter! I am however suggesting that the wording that treaty shall not be applicable within the area of Greater Shanghai" may be objectionable I considered precisely the same point when our negotiations were in progress; it is only transfer of jurisdiction and not all the provisions of the treaty (including assurances against discrimination and exactions of valid titles etc.) which we desire should not apply in reserved areas.
3. I have also said that I am definitely against proposed bargain over Tientsin, and have added anything I say must be regarded as a purely private and personal expression of opinion as I have not yet had any instructions on the subject and the whole question of Article XVI is now before His Majesty's Governrent.
derecsed to Foreign Office No. 8 of July 30th, repeated to Peking.