893.6363 Manchuria/281

Memorandum by Mr. Raymond C. Mackay of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs of a Conversation With Mr. Claude A. Thompson, General Counsel of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company, New York

Mr. Thompson called the Department by telephone from New York and was referred to Mr. Mackay.

Mr. Thompson said that he wished to inform the Department that his proposal (see memorandum of January 9, 193670), to the effect that an endeavor be made to cause the Japanese Government to use its good offices with a view to causing the authorities in Manchuria to compensate the oil companies for losses incurred as a result of the creation in that area of an oil monopoly, had met with the approval of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company; that it had also met with the approval of the Shell interests in London to whom the matter had been explained by Mr. Walden71 who is now in England; that both companies, however, are of the opinion that it would be inadvisable to initiate any new action in regard to the oil situation in Manchuria until such time as a definite decision has been reached in regard to the oil situation in Japan; that, at least for the moment, no further assistance is required; and that the company will keep the Department informed of all developments of importance.

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Mr. Mackay thanked Mr. Thompson for his kindness in keeping the Department currently and fully informed in regard to the oil situations in Manchuria and in Japan.

  1. Not printed.
  2. G. S. Walden, chairman of the board of directors, Standard-Vacuum Oil Co.