693.002/418: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, December 14, 1937—10
p.m.
[Received December 14—12:15 p.m.]
[Received December 14—12:15 p.m.]
632. Department’s 339, December 12, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- It is quite clear from Shanghai’s telegrams that the attitude on the customs question of the Japanese Consul General at Shanghai is not responsive to the assurances given me by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that the Consul General would be directed to consult with Gauss and to give consideration to any other suggestions which Gauss may make (see our 576, November 28, 4 p.m., paragraph 2 (c)). We feel that our efforts here should first be concentrated on getting the Foreign Office to implement that assurance. Accordingly today we again urged on the Foreign Office the importance of there being prior consultation between the representatives at Shanghai of the interested governments in the formulation of any plan for change in the personnel of the customs service or for depositing of customs revenues. We pointed out in urgent terms that only by such consultation could the interests of the various concerned governments be safeguarded.
- 2.
- As soon as we have received a reply to today’s representations we will request the Japanese Government to give the assurances mentioned in the Department’s telegram under reference.
Repeated to Shanghai.
Grew