693.002/442: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 19—2:45 p.m.]
990. Inspector General of Customs tells me he expects Japanese military will approach the Commissioner of Customs at Shanghai through the Japanese Consul General for an arrangement similar to that made at Tientsin under which the customs continue to function but revenues are deposited [in] Japanese bank subject to withdrawals for cost of collection and indemnity and loan moneys [quotas]. An attempt will be made to obtain better arrangement if possible. He expressed the hope that I along with my British and French colleagues would give [such] informal support as possible for a reasonable arrangement. I request instruction.
Sent to Department. Repeated to Nanking.