811.51693/62: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—8 a.m.]
551. Legation’s 324, March 10, 5 p.m.,22 and Department’s reply 84, March 12, 3 p.m.23
American Consul General at Harbin reports that National City Bank has now informed the recently appointed administration of the Northeastern Steamship Company that the bank cannot unless otherwise instructed by the American Consul General make payment of the company’s funds, approximating 16,000 local currency, against any signature other than that of Wang Shih-tse, former manager, who fled taking with him seals with which checks are to be validated. This measure taken by the bank in an effort to show that payment of company’s funds beyond bank’s immediate control.
2. Legation considers action of the bank in thus seeking to place responsibility upon American Consul General is entirely unwarranted and that it should be instructed to correct statement made to Steamship Company since matter is one entirely within the bank’s control and for its decision.
3. The Department’s instructions are requested.24
- Vol. iii, p. 549.↩
- See ibid., footnote 77.↩
- Telegram No. 132, May 25, 6 p.m., instructed that “Department agrees with attitude of Legation and approves of action suggested.”↩