893.51/5253: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
320. Legation’s 307, May 5, 6 [5?] p.m.
1. Following from the Minister at Nanking:
“May 9, 4 p.m. With reference to detention of customs funds at Tientsin, British Minister and I discussed this question on May 2nd. We agreed that in view of all taxation [treaties?] past and present, including present tariff treaties, we had slender grounds upon which to interfere in controversy over possession of customs collections at Tientsin. British Minister told Aveling43 he might informally indicate to representative of Yen at Peiping embarrassments to Chinese as well as foreigners should Yen carry out purpose of seizing customs funds. I understand that this is all Aveling has done. I see no objection to your taking similar step, but I think we should avoid even appearance of protest in a matter [with which,] it appears to me, we are little concerned beyond our interest in facilities available to our traders.
You may desire to communicate above comments to the Department in connection with any request for instructions you may send.”
2. I am replying to the Minister that pending receipt of instructions from him or from the Department I do not purpose to take any action in this matter.
3. A telegraphic communiqué made public today from Marshal Yen to Chia Ching-te, chief secretary of Shansi temporarily on duty in Peiping, and to Mr. Chu, the Marshal’s diplomatic representative in Peiping, contains the following reiteration of Yen’s position respecting foreign obligations secured on the customs:
“I have taken over the disposal of the Tientsin customs revenues and declare formally that all guaranteed loans will be scrupulously respected as heretofore, particularly that portion which guarantees interest and amortization of international loans.”