793.003/1014: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—6:06 p.m.]
6708. Department’s 5931, November 25. The following letter has just been handed to me from Mr. Eden. I am telegraphing it on to you at once.
“The Foreign Office greatly regret the decision of the Department of State not to ask for national treatment in the carrying on of commerce. They hope that this decision may yet be reconsidered in the light of (a) the serious effect which the omission would have on the later comprehensive treaty in a matter of such capital importance; and (b) the fact that the relevant article as drafted between us is in a highly tentative form. “Will endeavour to accord etc.” This matter is to be considered by the Cabinet on Monday, 30th November, and the Foreign Office very much hope that the American communication to the Chinese Embassy can be delayed until then.
As at present advised, the Foreign Office think it most likely that the Cabinet will feel unable in any event to abandon the principle of national treatment for our commerce in China to which they attach great importance. It is probable, therefore, that they will decide that this point should be insisted upon with the Chinese Government though they would naturally regret having to do this alone.”