693.002/424: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 17—6:30 a.m.]
75. As I shall doubtless be consulted by British Embassy’s representative here in regard to matter reported in Shanghai’s 1167, December 16, 8 p.m., I would appreciate Department’s instructions. Situation in regard to customs appears to me to be now complicated by statement reported in Peiping’s 828 of December 16, 4 p.m.21 indicating that new government at Peiping will take over Chinese Customs as the successor to the Nanking Government. It is increasingly evident to me that Japanese intend to ignore Chinese National Government since the fall of Nanking; that Japanese Government will accord recognition to newly formed government at Peiping and will assist it in taking over all of the fiscal and other functions of the Chinese Government at the various ports. Under the circumstances it would seem to me to be unwise for me to endeavor to advise Minister of Finance as to course which he should follow.
- Not printed.↩