Ext.6740/42.
177
No. of words 92.
Cypher telegram from Secretary of State to Government of India, External Affairs Department, dated 9th December,
1942.
X X X
Irtant
SECRET
21187. Your telegram No.9605 ? 3rd December. China Treaty, Article 6. I am advised that amendment which you suggest to draft Minute would not materially alter its meaning.
It is also awkward at this stage to introduce a change of this sort.
2. As Chinese Government have specifically agreed to accept application of Registration of Foreigners Rules to Chinese nationals despite exemption of nationals of other limitrophe States we are reasonably safe in assuming that they would not use the Treaty as an excuse to reopen the matter. If, however, they do so you can count on support of H.M.G. in standing your ground despite the Treaty.
3. I hope, therefore, you will agree not to press this point.
Copy to: F.0., C.0., Board of Trade.
D.O., B.O.,
O.T.P.