693.002/585: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 30—3:15 p.m.]
480. The following telegram has been received from Tokyo:
“March 30, noon. Our 198, March 24, 8 p.m.,77 Chinese customs. My British colleague has now learned from the Inspector General of Customs in China that the latter will not accept the responsibility of signing an agreement with the Japanese Consul General in Shanghai. Craigie therefore now visualizes the following procedure: The Japanese Government would convey to Craigie the assurances finally evolving from his negotiations and at the same time would send transcript of instructions to the Japanese Consular Officers in China who in turn would communicate these instructions involving the deposit of customs receipts in the Yokohama Specie Bank to the various Customs Commissioners. The Commissioners acting under force majeure would report their action to the Inspector General. Such procedure is apparently considered necessary to avoid loss of face by the Chinese officials.
Please repeat to Hankow and to Department as our No. 215, March 30, noon. Grew.”