893.6363 Manchuria/60: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 1—8:40 a.m.]
502. Legation’s 496.50 Following from Consul General [at] Mukden.
“October 30, 10 p.m. The local army spokesman called this evening for the purpose of translating orally the summary of an announcement published today by the ‘Manchukuo’ government regarding the oil monopoly. While its full meaning is not clear as orally translated the announcement apparently modifies the oral statement of October 20th to the extent of offering to foreign companies the right of acting as selling agents of the monopoly in allotted areas. Since it appears that they would have to purchase all supplies from the monopoly this scheme would seem to be impracticable. It is not yet known if this represents a true desire to come to terms with the companies. The full announcement will be reported to the Legation as soon as it is available.
The spokesman stated that he understands that monopoly law is to be promulgated in a few days and go into effect about January 1st.”