394.1153 Feiting/1: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 30—3:35 p.m.]
1048. A Japanese naval detachment this afternoon seized a launch flying the American flag moored along the French Concession Bund. The flag was lowered and the launch towed away, the detachment stating that they would return later for others. This launch is one of those sold by the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company to China Foreign Steamship Corporation, as reported in my despatch No. 1071, November 15th, sent to the Department by air mail.17 The launch had not yet been documented under form number 35 but the flag was being flown and a notice was posted indicating ownership. Two Italian-owned lighters flying Italian flags were seized at about the same time. German launches were taken some days ago.
[Page 385]2. I have protested orally to the Japanese Consul General, emphasizing my disapproval of the action of any Japanese authorities in lowering the American flag over any property without the consent of the American Consulate General. I shall enter a formal written protest on the seizure of American property.
- Not printed.↩