693.002/637: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 6—1:14 p.m.]
624. I am reliably informed that Li Chien Nan recently reported to have been appointed Chinese Superintendent of Customs at Shanghai by the so-called “Reformed Government” called on the Commissioner of Customs this morning and informed him of his appointment to the post mentioned. The Commissioner is understood to have been polite but noncommittal. At Li’s request the Commissioner showed him the office of the Chinese Superintendent but Li did not indicate whether he expects to occupy the office forthwith. I understand the Commissioner denies the story published by Domei to the effect that Li informed him that the “Reformed Government” had taken over control of the Shanghai customs and that he and Sir Frederick Maze had been commissioned by that so-called government as Commissioner and Inspector General respectively. Five barred flag is not being flown over the customs.
Repeated to Hankow, Peiping and Tokyo.