393.115 Hunt and Company, William/39: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 29—8:35 a.m.]
323. Shanghai’s 918, June 28, 3 p.m. The only comment that I have to make upon statements made to Consulate by Hunt concerning delivery to William Hunt and Company of property of China Merchants at Kiukiang, Hankow and other river ports is that it is significant that this process is taking place only at a time when it is becoming obvious that active hostilities are approaching the ports concerned. Furthermore, I know of no personnel of William Hunt who are American and sufficient in number and present at ports in question who can or will take charge of such property. Process of delivery apparently consists merely in putting up new signboards and painting or hoisting American flags. If this is permitted to continue, the presence of flag upon bona fide American interests cannot but be brought under suspicion. We should not permit Chinese Government to continue in the dark as to our attitude.
Repeated to Shanghai.