693.002 Manchuria/138: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, July 1, 1932—2
p.m.
[Received July 1—7:40 a.m.]
[Received July 1—7:40 a.m.]
755. Following from American Consul General at Harbin, June 30, 4 p.m.
- “1. The customhouse at Manchouli where are about 100 Japanese gendarmes taken over by Manchukuo agents on June 28 and house of Norwegian assistant in charge searched.
- 2. The main customs office New Town, Harbin, still sealed but customs committee functioning at riverside day before yesterday under Manchukuo officials aided by seven of old staff and outsiders. Commissioner claims that the remainder of the staff are still being intimidated.
- 3. I believe unofficial protest by consular body to local police regarding intimidation would not produce practical results but that widespread publicity might.
- 4. Customhouses at Taheiho and Suifenho not seized because they are in territory beyond Manchukuo or Japanese military control.”
Johnson