693.002 Manchuria/117: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping
, June 28, 1932—2
p.m.
[Received June 28—7:10 a.m.]
[Received June 28—7:10 a.m.]
726. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:
- 1.
- “June 26, 2 p.m. Customhouse near to river seized last night by Manchukuo police under Japanese leader, customs office in New Town next to Commissioner’s residence sealed and he cannot enter. Commissioner received no demand to hand over but a Japanese will call on him this afternoon. Japanese have approached customs staff urging them to come over to Manchukuo.”
- 2.
- [“]June 27, 10 a.m. Yesterday Commissioner of Customs was asked by Manchukuo to come over to them. Upon his refusal he was handed a formal despatch from Chinese superintendent stating that latter had taken over charge of customs. Manchukuo flag was then hoisted over customhouse. Staff are now being intimidated to make them come over.”
- 3.
- “June 27, 5 p.m. (1) Customhouse New Town, Harbin, sealed and Commissioner of Customs refused entrance to his offices by Manchukuo police this morning.
- (2) Reliable American just arrived from Moscow reported bad economic conditions in Russia, inefficient working of factories already established, poor quality of output of these factories and scarcity and inefficiency of mechanics prevent any idea of war with Japan to be entertained by the Soviet leaders or people, although the Government is storing large supplies of foodstuffs in preparation for a possible [Page 117] defensive war. The latter measure is making shortage of foodstuffs still more acute in Russia and Siberia.”
Johnson