62
Press Releases, vol. XIII, p. 487
Statement by the Secretary of
State, December 5, 1935
In reply to inquiries by press correspondents
regarding the "autonomy movement" in North China, Chinese and
Japanese activities in relation thereto, and the American Government's
attitude, the Secretary of State said:
"There is going on in and with regard to
North China a political struggle which is unusual in character and which may
have far-reaching effects. The persons mentioned in reports of it are many; the
action is rapid and covers a large area; opinions with regard to it vary; what
may come of it no one could safely undertake to say; but, whatever the origin,
whoever the agents, be what they may the methods, the fact stands out that an
effort is being made—and is being resisted—to bring about a substantial change
in the political status and condition of several of China's northern Provinces.
"Unusual developments in any part of
China are rightfully and necessarily of concern not alone to the Government and
people of China but to all of the many powers which have interests in China.
For, in relations with China and in China, the treaty rights and the treaty
obligations of the 'treaty powers' are in general identical. The United States
is one of those powers.
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DOCUMENTS
"In the area under reference the
interests of the United States are similar to those of other powers. In that
area there are located, and our rights and obligations appertain to, a considerable
number of American nationals, some American property, and substantial American
commercial and cultural activities. The American Government is therefore
closely observing what is happening there.
"Political disturbances and pressures
give rise to uncertainty and misgiving and tend to produce economic and social
dislocations. They make difficult the enjoyment of treaty rights and the
fulfillment of treaty obligations.
"The views of the American Government
with regard to such matters, not alone in relation to China but in relation to
the whole world, are well known. As I have stated on many occasions, it seems
to this Government most important in this period of world-wide political unrest
and economic instability that governments and peoples keep faith in principles
and pledges. In international relations there must be agreements and respect
for agreements in order that there may be the confidence and stability and
sense of security which are essential to orderly life and progress. This
country has abiding faith in the fundamental principles of its traditional
policy. This Government adheres to the provisions of the treaties to which it
is a party and continues to bespeak respect by all nations for the provisions
of treaties solemnly entered into for the purpose of facilitating and
regulating, to reciprocal and common advantage, the contacts between and among
the countries signatory."