693.94244/239: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
103. Your 191, June 30, 1 p.m. The Department authorizes the Embassy to make informally appropriate representations to the Chinese Foreign Office in regard to the adverse effects, on the business of [Page 857] the interested American firms, of smuggling into North China of kerosene and gasoline, but feels that the Embassy should avoid making a specific suggestion that a preventive office be established at the Tientsin East Station. However, the Department perceives no objection to the making of such a suggestion by the companies themselves should they desire to do so.