393.115 Chase National Bank/23: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—7 a.m.]
558. Following informal letter received from Kung, Minister of Finance, under date of November 16:
“The recent refusal of the Japanese authorities and/or their agents to allow the President Coolidge to sail from Shanghai with a cargo of silver belonging to the Chase Bank is particularly important in my opinion, because it involves an attempt by the Japanese authorities to stop trade between China and the United States, although such trade is permitted by the regulations of the lawful Government of China. The logical conclusion of this action, if allowed to stand, is the regulation of Sino-American trade in the interests of Japan, insofar as the Japanese for the time being have the power to carry out such measures.
If the Japanese are permitted to ‘get away’ with this interference it will undoubtedly be used by them as a precedent for further action detrimental to the interests of both China and the United States. I very much hope therefore that the action taken by the American Government in connection with this and other similar matters will result in the removal of such interferences with Sino-American trade.
I should greatly appreciate being advised of further developments.”
I have replied simply stating contents have been reported to the Department.
Shanghai send true reading to Tokyo.