893.5034 Business Tax/52: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
336. Your despatch 1669, August 4, and telegram 1061, September 3, 3 p.m. Department’s instruction 62 of February 20, 1931, 5 p.m.,57 to the effect that the business tax can not be considered applicable to American firms, and Department’s instruction 85 of March 6, 1931, 5 p.m.,58 with regard to consular officers pointing out to American firms, who may apply to them for advice, practical aspects of the situation as indicated in your 93, March 1, 1931, 3 p.m.,59 section 5, remain in force.
Department notes that Hankow Consulate General will await actual attempt to collect the tax from American firms before making further representations and believes that you should do likewise.
Department also desires that you endeavor to cooperate with your interested colleagues in deciding upon a uniform course of action.