693.003/902: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
283. 1. From consular reports received from Shantung and from various parts of Manchuria it has become clear that the Chinese authorities, as a result of official or at least semi-official Japanese protests, have made arrangements whereby Japanese nationals and their goods are accorded special treatment insofar as concerns the imposition of export surtaxes. While I do not consider it advisable to protest the imposition of such surtaxes, as has been done by the Japanese authorities, I am of the opinion [that, unless?] the matter is brought officially to the attention of the Chinese Government, there may be created a dangerous precedent whereby it might be interpreted at some future date that the American Government had acquiesced in discriminatory treatment affecting its nationals and their merchandise.
2. I therefore [propose?] addressing a note in the following terms to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nanking:
[For the text of note as sent, see page 810.]
3. The Department’s authorization is respectfully requested.
- Telegram in five sections.↩