893.51/5277: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, June 16,
1930—7 p.m.
[Received June 17—9:25 a.m.]
[Received June 17—9:25 a.m.]
448. Department’s 193, June 13, 5 p.m. American Consul at Tientsin has just informed me that Shansi authorities took over Tientsin customs today, appointing Lenox Simpson (British) as Commissioner of Customs in place of Hayley Bell (British). It is reported that Simpson demanded possession from Bell who, after some consideration, consented to turn over his office provided that he be given a document relieving him of responsibility by stating that he yielded only to force.
For the Minister:
Perkins