Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume IV

693.002 Manchuria/73: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Mellon)

Washington, June 11, 1932—1 p.m.

176. Your 197, June 6, 5 p.m.

1. On June 10 I called informally to the attention of the Japanese Ambassador here⁵¹ the recent reports received by the Department indicating that the present régime in Manchuria is contemplating taking over the Chinese customs administration in that area. I pointed out to the Ambassador that the maintenance of the integrity of this Chinese administrative service involves the rights and interests of various foreign governments in relation to certain fiscal obligations of the Chinese Government and is of concern to the powers signatory to the Nine-Power Treaty in view of their commitments under that Treaty. I informed him that the Department was very much concerned about these reports and that as Japanese subjects, over whom the Japanese Government alone can exercise control, are the principal advisers to the authorities of the new régime in Manchuria, I felt it necessary to bring this matter to his attention.

2. Under date June 10 the American Consul General at Harbin telegraphs that he has been informed by a local official that the appointment of an inspector general of customs for Manchuria has been postponed owing to fear of foreign complaints.

3. Please inform the British Foreign Office of the above.

Stimson

51. See memorandum by the Secretary of State, June 10, 1932, Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 89.