OUTWARD TELEGRAM
My feat 13
10
263
CYPHER (TYPEX)
FROM:
D.O.
TO:
CANADA
(GOVT.)
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
11
SOUTH AFRICA
#
(Sent 8.15 p.m., 7th Oct., 1942.)
M.D.
IMMEDIATE
D. No. 402 SECRET
My telegram 6th October D. No. 400. Chinese extraterritoriality.
Replies have now been received from all His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions agreeing in principle.
2. We have now informed United States Ambassador on following lines:-
(a) that United Kingdom Government are in wholehearted
agreement with the general purport of United States proposals
(b)
1
that His Majesty's Ambassador at Chungking has suggested that we might try to secure in connexion with treaty exchange of notes containing additional assurances concerning treatment of our nationals after abolition of extraterritoriality, and that we hope to discuss this later with United States Government
(c) that whilst United States Government contemplate
confidential communication to Chinese Government we think there would be great advantage in publicity at this stage. It would seem desirable to proclaim important decision we had taken which at this moment will meet with considerable approval amongst our own peoples. Moreover publicity for our decision would enhance its value to Chinese. While complete secrecy during period of negotiation of treaty would have some advantages, we are very doubtful whether in fact we could rely on Chinese keeping matter secret for long
of
5.
We therefore contemplate
(1)
(11)
that we should make confidential approach to Chinese Charge d'Affaires on lines suggested in my telegram under reference, and
that subject to United States views a public declaration should be issued shortly afterwards,
if practicable on Chinese National Day October 10th.
4. As regards (1), we assume that it would meet the views of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions if in course of approach to Chinese Charge d'Affaires we explain informally that we understand that His Majesty's Governments in the