893.102 S/1017: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23—9:35 a.m.]
196. The municipal election concluded yesterday resulted in the reelection of two Japanese members, one American, two British and the election of four new members, three British and one Danish. Notwithstanding the implication contained in the request of the British 2 years ago that the Americans should limit their nominations to two members who would be endorsed by the entire community, only one American was elected. Carney who has shown himself to be one of the most conservative, businesslike, and broad-minded of the members of the Council, failed reelection. The result of the election is very important in that those elected are known to be sympathetic to any proposal that would result in the extension of the Settlement independent of the present Sino-Japanese conflict and emphatic in their belief that the present is an opportune moment for the extension of the Settlement. The vote so clearly indicates the degree of the recognition of such a view, as the Japanese head the list in the number of votes received, Arnhold following with the next largest vote and so on. It would not be surprising if early in its administration the present [Page 623] Council would bring about an embarrassing situation to the powers concerned.
2. Representatives of the American community, with the approval of Raven, the American member elected, have inquired whether they should not convene a meeting of the American community and leave to such a meeting the question as to whether Raven should not resign as a protest against the failure of the British rate payers to elect the two members which has impliedly been assured the Americans if the candidates had the endorsement of the American community. I am consulting the Minister as to the political effect this may have. I am satisfied the failure of the election of Carney is due to Japanese failing to vote for him though if the British had limited their candidates to five the Dane would have been defeated and the ratio by nationality would have remained the same as in the past.
Repeated to the Legation, copy to the Minister.