811.3393/88
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
Sir: The Department has received the Legation’s despatches No. 228 of May 29, 1930, No. 231 of May 31, 1930, and No. 233 of May 31, 1930,60 in regard to the desire of the Chinese authorities that the American Consuls at Tsingtao and Tientsin provide them with advance notice of visits of American naval vessels.
Stipulations of treaties now in force between the United States and China authorize the national vessels of the United States to visit the ports of China (Treaty of 1858, Article IX), and the Department believes that in the enjoyment of this right it is not necessary for the commanders of vessels to obtain from the Chinese authorities in advance permission to make such visits. The Department, nevertheless, concurs with the view of the Legation as set forth in the Legation’s instruction of May 9, 1930, to the American Consul at Tsingtao that it is permissible for the American Consul at a port to inform the local authorities, in advance, of the arrival of American men-of-war. American Consuls should, in conveying such advance information, avoid any implication that the right of American naval vessels to visit such ports or to perform their other duties as authorized by treaty is dependent for its exercise on the permission of the Chinese authorities.
Very truly yours,
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