Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1934, The Far East, Volume III

893.6363 Manchuria/23: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)

Washington, July 20, 1934—5 p.m.

220. Your 304, July 14, Noon, and Tokyo’s 151, July 7, 1 p.m.¹²

1. The Department views the proposed establishment of an oil monopoly in Manchuria with grave concern. Such a monopoly would jeopardize important American interests in Manchuria and would also encourage Chinese authorities in their efforts to monopolize certain phases of the oil business. The Department expects therefore that the Embassy in Tokyo, the Legation in Peiping and consular officers in Manchuria, including Dairen, (keeping in touch with each other and with their British colleagues) not only watch developments carefully, but also consider ways and means of conserving the American interests involved, reporting to the Department from time to time recommendations toward that end. Careful thought should be given at all times to the question whether it appears advisable that this Government make additional representations, either at Tokyo or in Manchuria, and the Department should be given the benefit of all pertinent views on this subject.

2. Consul General Adams,¹³ while in Peiping, should familiarize himself with the Legation’s files in this case.

3. Repeat to Tokyo as Dep[artmen]t’s 123.

Hull

12. The latter telegram reported, “Instructions carried out today.” (893.6363 Manchuria/21)
13. Walter A. Adams, Consul General at Hankow, assigned to Harbin, June 29, 1934.