moment when the delegates of the Chinese Government are in a position to resume discussions with the foreign delegates of the problems before the conference.  We are prepared to resume the negotiations thus interrupted whenever a Government representing the Chinese people and acting on their behalf presents itself.  The fact that constant warfare between contending Chinese factions has rendered it impossible to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion is a matter of deep regret.  Throughout these conflicts we have maintained a position of the most careful neutrality.  Our naval vessels in Asiatic waters, pursuant to treaty rights, have been used only for the protection of American citizens.

Silas H. Strawn, Esq., was sent to China as American commissioner to cooperate with commissioners of the other powers in the establishment of a commission to inquire into the present practice of extraterritorial jurisdiction in China, with a view to reporting to the Governments of the several powers their findings of fact in regard to these matters.  The commission commenced its work in January, 1926, and agreed upon a joint report which was signed on September 16, 1926.  The commission’s report has been received and is being studied with a view to determining our future policy in regard to the question of extraterritorial privileges under treaties between the United States and China.

The Preparatory Commission for the Disarmament Conference met at Geneva on May 18 and its work has been proceeding almost continuously since that date.  It would be premature to attempt to form a judgment as to the progress that has been made.  The commission has had before it a comprehensive list of questions touching upon all aspects of the question of the limitation of armament.  In the commission’s discussions many differences of opinion have developed.  However, I am hopeful that at least some measure of agreement will be reached as the discussions continue.  The American representation on the commission has consistently tried to be helpful, and has kept before it the practical objective to which the commission is working, namely, actual agreements for the limitation of armaments.  Our representatives will continue their work in that direction.

One of the most encouraging features of the commission’s work thus far has been the agreement in principle among the naval experts of a majority of the powers parties to the Washington treaty limiting naval armament upon methods and standards for the comparison and further limitation of naval armament.  It is needless to say that at the proper time I shall be prepared to proceed along practical lines to the conclusion of agreements carrying further the work begun at the Washington Conference in 1921.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Many important subjects which it is impossible even to mention in the short space of an annual message you will find fully discussed in the departmental reports.  A failure to include them here is not to be taken as indicating any lack of interest, but only a disinclination to state inadequately what has been much better done in other documents.