Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The Far East, Volume IV

393.115 Hunt and Company, William/41: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart)

Washington, June 29, 1938—7 p.m.

413. Your 918, June 28, 3 p.m. Please inform William Hunt and Company that Department is implementing its decision only to the extent necessary to interdict American protection of China Merchant properties and prevent improper use of American flag in connection with such properties. For example, the development reported at Kiukiang in Hankow’s 318, June 27, 11 a.m., has compelled the Department to authorize an approach to the Chinese Government by the American Ambassador along the lines indicated in the final sentence of Hankow’s 321, June 28, 3 p.m.⁹⁹

Please repeat to Hankow.

Hull

99. Not printed. Ambassador Johnson told a representative of Mr. Hunt that if the latter did not act soon to clear up this matter with the Chinese authorities he himself would tell them that transfer to American protection had not been accomplished. (393.115 Hunt and Company, William/38.)