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

394.1153 Smith Company, Werner G./34: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn)

Washington, July 21, 1938—3 p.m.

Shanghai’s 1016, July 20, 4 p.m., and Nanking’s 136, July 21, 3 p.m.,²⁸ wood oil. Having in mind the possible difficulties in obtaining warehouse facilities and effecting storage mentioned in Nanking’s telegram under reference, please ascertain from Werner G. Smith Company and inform the Department, Nanking, and Tokyo whether the Company desires the release of the wood oil upon the terms of Shanghai’s telegram under reference or whether the Company desires the American authorities to continue their efforts to obtain the unconditional release of the cargo. As suggested in the Shanghai Consulate General’s telegram, the American authorities would, in the event of storage of the cargo, under the conditions stipulated, continue their efforts to free the cargo for shipment to Shanghai.

Repeat to Shanghai, Nanking and Tokyo.

Hull

28. Latter not printed.