693.002 Manchuria/253: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—11:40 a.m.]
1060. Following telegram has been received from Mukden:
“September 2, 5 p.m. Referring to my despatch of August 15th.39 The following telegram was received today from Talbot.
‘My letter 12th August. I was inveigled to farewell dinner in Chinese town last night by Customs Adviser Sakikawa where I was hectored for several hours to hand over balances in Bank of Chosen only securing my release after signing statement that if I did not hand over in 3 days Adviser could use his discretion. Latter stated he would use force to gain his ends. I consider it dangerous for me to attempt leave Antung in face of these threats and would request your prompt assistance.’
An informal protest has been made to Japanese consular authorities with the request that Talbot be subjected to no further personal molestation. Developments will be reported to the Legation.”
Talbot is an American. The Japanese Adviser to the Manchukuo customs balances [sic] is trying to compel him to sign a check handing over certain customs balances in the Bank of Chosen, Antung. They threaten to prevent his leaving for Shanghai until he does so. I feel that we could properly say a word at Tokyo to obtain protection for Talbot and permission for him to leave Antung and freedom.
- Not printed.↩