693.002/375: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:53 p.m.]
726. Department’s 247, September 18, 4 p.m. When presenting matter of the customs terms presented by Japanese at Tientsin as well as when presenting [matter of] proposal of bankers on the general question of the customs, I emphasized the fact that our interest was in the preservation of the administration and that these proposals were put forward for that purpose. I understand that Chinese are refusing to accept Japanese plan to place funds in Yokohama Specie Bank and that Tientsin Customs Commissioner is opposing acceptance of this term as only means of preserving administration of customs in Tientsin area. I have heard nothing further from Chinese here. British are taking no further action and I do not propose to take further action unless some new situation arises which I shall refer to the Department.