893.515/1331: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 18—3:18 p.m.]
1347. The Commercial Counselor of the British Embassy informs me confidentially that there has been much difficulty and friction at [Page 325] Tientsin with the Japanese over central silver to the value of about 40,000,000 Chinese dollars in a Chinese bank in the French Concession and about $14,000,000 in a Chinese bank in the British Concession. British Embassy understands that the chief concern of the Japanese is that the silver may be shipped out of the port. British Embassy is contemplating a suggestion that the silver stocks in question should be placed under seal with the concurrence of the Chinese banks and the Japanese and the matter thus disposed of for the time being. Before proposing this solution, however, the British Embassy inquires whether the American Government is perhaps interested in this silver or its possible purchase, it being indicated that such interest might affect a decision as to making the proposal above outlined. I stated that I had no information but would inquire. What reply shall I make?