693.94244/239: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 30—4:40 a.m.]
191. In a despatch dated June 23 Consulate General at Tientsin reports that importation of kerosene and gasoline by smugglers has not appreciably decreased and that American oil companies business continues to suffer. Standard Vacuum Oil Company and Texas Company suggest that customs authorities be requested to establish a preventive office at the Tientsin East Station which would be empowered to seize smuggled cargo or collect regular duty thereon. Notwithstanding Peiping railway authorities have hitherto shown no disposition to cooperate with customs to suppress smuggling, Embassy requests that it be authorized to make informal representations to the Foreign Office at Nanking with a view to establishment of the preventive office as requested by American Oil Company.