611.937/12: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China ( MacMurray )
24. Hankow despatch No. 585, December 5,24 regarding reported increases in export and import duties to be effective January 1. Werner G. Smith Company, Cleveland, Ohio, has telegraphed Department of Commerce as follows:
“Chinese Government at Hankow very suddenly imposing heavy tax on export of China wood oil without due notice. This action very unfair to us as American exporters of this commodity as we have sold for delivery in this country not calculating this unfair tax. May we suggest that you attempt to influence the Chinese government to postpone this action until we have had a chance to get our purchases out of China to cover American sales.”
Please investigate and if facts warrant it take such action on behalf of Smith Company as appears proper and practicable. Report by telegraph facts in case and action taken.
- Not printed.↩