693.943/15: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:22 p.m.]
88. Department’s December 9, 5 p.m. Statement in question appeared in a letter to Arnold18 from this office dated November 22 on [Page 900] page 2 of which it was stated that “the importation of Japanese flour has been facilitated by the waiving of customs formalities at Tientsin. No customs duties have been levied and, as stated by Japanese authorities, the wheat flour is imported as ‘military supplies and provisions, not only for the Japanese troops but for the native population [’].” This condition still prevails. Articles entered as military supplies but used for native population are ostensibly for relief of those destitute. This exemption may cover not only wheat flour but also other articles formerly smuggled in, but this cannot be ascertained definitely at present as military supplies enter without examination by the customs. Commissioner of Customs states that no articles are exempt from duty except so-called military supplies; that import and export duties are being collected in accordance with the established Chinese customs tariff and that question of reduction of duties on Japanese goods has not been discussed.
Imports of flour from Japan during July and entered at the customs total 1,040 bags, August imports entered at customs nil and September imports 988 bags which indicates majority of flour imports are entered as military supplies. Total imports Japan flour entered at customs for first 9 months this year total about 15,000 bags.
- Julean Arnold, Commercial Attaché in China.↩