693.94244/30: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 27—6:38 a.m.]
282. Department’s 180, May 26, 5 p.m.96 The following is pertinent portion of Foreign Secretary’s answer on May 25.
“The information at the disposal of His Majesty’s Government tends to confirm that customs officials at the shore stations in the demilitarized zone, as well as vessels operating in its coastal waters, are prevented by the Japanese military authorities from carrying arms. There is moreover reason to believe that difficulties are experienced by Chinese customs officials on trains in the demilitarized zone. The principal agents engaged in the smuggling traffic in North China are said to be Japanese and Koreans, although some Chinese may be taking part.”
“In particular His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo in his handling of this matter has kept in close touch with the representatives of the other governments interested. I understand that representations have also been made to the Japanese Government by the United States Ambassador”.
Text by pouch yesterday.96