ALS letter home from American assistant minister/diplomat regarding the Sino-Japanese Shantung Negotiations.
China: c. August 1921. From "Bub" to brother Philip. Bub is apparently an American assistant or undersecretary to a United States Minister/diplomat based in Peking.
He mentions the unusually hot summer, and the efforts to make headway on the Negotiations ("the political situation here goes from bad to worse"), however, there are very few ministers in town, the rest are vacationing. He is tasked to 'write a report on the Sino Japanese Shantung Negotiations...' "and that is as complex as possible and they seem to be getting nowhere..."
He mentions meetings with Edwin Denby, Secretary of the Navy as the Minister's special representative, entertaining Major General Wright, Mr. Warren, and Du Wellington Koo (the Chinese Minister to Washington, then Foreign Minister and Finance Minister). "Du Wellington Koo has been entertained right and left and I have gone to most of the dinners for him - she is one of the prettiest Chinese I have seen." (referring to his wife Hui-lan Oei)
The Sino-Japan Shantung Negotiations referred to the treaty between China and Japan settling the dispute over the Shantung Peninsula and its valuable resources including the Shantung Railroad and its connection to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Japan had taken over occupancy after pushing out Germany, the original leaseholder. The dispute was mediated by the United States, and ultimately the leasehold was returned to China.
Bub's sister Jeannie wrote him from The Colony Club in New York City regarding Philip's (and presumably Papa's) trip to Italy. He also mentions the visit of a mutual friend Roger Gratwick (?) and his own intention of returning to the States next Spring. An interesting insight into diplomatic negotiations.
2 pages, 4 sides, 8x10.5", written in pencil, original fold marks. Very good condition. Item #27355
Price: $175.00