Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1935, The Far East, Volume III

811.5034 (China) Thrift Corp./34: Telegram

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

Peiping, October 6, 1935—3 p.m.
[Received October 6—5:48 a.m.]

29. Embassy’s 28, October 5, 1 p.m.⁶ Following urgent telegram has been received from American Consul General at Harbin.⁷

“37, October 6, 11 p.m. Embassy’s October 5, 1 p.m.

1. There is much excitement in Harbin over suspension of Thriftcor Bank which remained closed yesterday.

2. I believe prompt action is desirable by the American authorities. I suggest that United States Court for China be requested to appoint liquidator at once.

3. Does Court desire any preliminary action by this Consulate General?”

Judge Helmick⁸ informed me on October 4 prior to my departure from Shanghai that he had told Shanghai attorneys for bank that as there was no American interest shown and as registration with Consulates had been denied he saw no reason for Court taking jurisdiction. I agree with Judge Helmick that we should not assume the responsibility for bank’s liquidation and would like so to instruct Harbin.

Johnson

6. Not printed.
7. Walter A. Adams.
8. Milton J. Helmick, Judge of the United States Court for China.