693.94244/193: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 7—6:10 a.m.]
65. Following telegram has been sent to Tokyo:
“February 7, 11 a.m. Your 15, January 22, midnight to the Department.
Tientsin reports that most serious damage caused to American trade by smuggling has been in petroleum products. Figures thus far available to the Embassy indicate that during period covered between September 28, 1936 and January 24, 1937, 127,370 cases of kerosene and 5,203 cases of gasoline were smuggled into the Tientsin area. Complaints have also been made to the American Consulate General at Tientsin by American firms dealing in dyestuffs who estimate that during December quarter some 150,000 pounds sulphur black and large quantities of other low grade dyes obtainable from Japan were smuggled in. Tientsin reports further that during December quarter there were smuggled into that area considerable quantities of goods competitive with American imports but that no complaints have been received and no accurate figures are at present available. Tientsin is preparing written report which will be forwarded.72
Repeated to the Department.”
- Report not printed.↩