793.94112/202
The Consul at Tsingtao (Gourley) to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)14
Sir: With reference to the Consulate’s despatch No. 288, of March 17, 1938,15 subject: “Customs Preventive Ship Reported Given Protection by Japanese Navy against Japanese Army”, I have the honor to report, as of possible interest, that the Chinese Maritime Customs preventive ship Hai An was confiscated by the Japanese naval authorities on June 22, 1938. The vessel was boarded while at anchor in the inner harbor by a Japanese naval officer and a detachment of marines, and the officer demanded that the ship be turned over to the Japanese navy. The Master replied that he had no authority to do so, whereupon the Japanese officer threatened to take the vessel by force. Being unable to offer any resistance, the Master and Chief officer, both of whom are British, abandoned the ship. The Chinese officers and crew are being retained at least for the time being.
Respectfully yours,