693.002/444: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:14 p.m.]
1016. Reference my 990, November 19 and 1003, November 23 concerning Shanghai Customs. I was invited to meet with the French Ambassador, the financial adviser of British Embassy, and the Commissioner of Customs this afternoon to discuss matter of the customs. I did so but stated I was without instructions. Commissioner of Customs appears to have had a vague conversation with Japanese Consul General who asked Commissioner’s cooperation in arranging for Japanese supervision of the customs, requested a plan for such supervision, stated that foreign loan and indemnity quotas and foreign personnel would be respected, and added that no third parties would be recognized in the discussions. The Commissioner this afternoon had an outline of his office organization and was prepared to propose Japanese observers in his offices. He was advised to limit his proposal to one to transfer to Shanghai customs house Japanese already in customs service. A Japanese has already been transferred here from Tientsin to serve as Administrative Commissioner which is second ranking position. No mention was made in conversation with Japanese Consul General concerning bank of deposit of revenues.
Shall I continue to observe and report as informed or invited to attend discussions.
Repeated to Tokyo and Hankow.