693.002/622: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 30—7 a.m.]
224. Reference Tokyo’s 273, April 26, 10 a.m.83 Arthur Young gave me last evening copy of a letter addressed to British Embassy by Minister of Finance in reference to customs agreement negotiated by British Embassy at Tokyo. Letter referred to Reuter report that agreement was to be initialed in Tokyo on April 30 and copies would be sent to France, United States and other interested powers. Letter then asks that British Embassy inquire by telegraph as to basis for report, saying that in conversation with British Ambassador here latter had not indicated that such an agreement was imminent. Letter concludes by stating that as matter is chiefly of concern to China, Minister of Finance assumes that Chinese Government will be informed of proposed terms well in advance before understanding is concluded in order to ascertain whether terms would be acceptable. Letter states that pending receipt of information and full consideration of all aspects of situation the position of the Chinese Government will be fully reserved. British Embassy replied on April 29 that no agreement had been made, but that a draft had been drawn up which was now being considered in London.
Repeated to Shanghai and Peiping. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.