893.01 Manchuria/299: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 30—7:33 a.m.]
749. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:
“June 29, 1 p.m. 1. Commissioner of Customs expressed desire speak to consular body regarding intimidation his staff by Manchukuo police and I called consular body meeting for this purpose yesterday. After relating incidents proving this intimidation and requesting some action by consular body he withdrew. Meeting then decided that each Minister would report to his government that some Chinese member[s] of staff desirous of being loyal to China were being threatened with violence if they did not declare loyalty to Manchukuo. Takigawa, Japanese Vice Consul present at meeting, volunteered on behalf of body to call attention of Japanese attached to police and local Foreign Office to the seriousness of Commissioner’s charges. It was not though[t] advisable to approach local officials in reference to Chinese employees of customs [who?] were involved so far.
2. Meeting decided that identic notes should be sent local Commission[er] Foreign Affairs protesting application to respective nationals of regulations regarding filling out and signing forms half an hour before train leaves Harbin by persons that will be leaving Manchukuo.
3. Meeting decided to call attention of civil administration special area to the increase in banditry at Harbin and immediate vicinity which dangerous to foreigners. Takigawa promised to inform Japanese military unofficially consular body’s wishes that some steps be taken to lessen this banditry danger.
4. Local train held up and passenger robbed by bandits yesterday near Ashiho.”