603.002/583: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28—9:19 a.m.]
469. My No. 340, March 1, 8 p.m., regarding instructions issued by the Japanese military to the customs authorities here to refuse permission to reexport automobile tires and other articles classed as war materials from Shanghai to South China ports.
I have now been informed by one of the American firms affected by this prohibition that during the past 10 days shipments of tires in small lots not exceeding 50 pieces have been passed by the customs and shipped to South China ports. Shipment of larger lots apparently still impossible. From a reliable customs source I learn that although there has been no change in the general prohibitory order issued by the Japanese military referred to above, Japanese customs authorities are easing the restrictions somewhat.
Repeated to Tokyo.