393.115 Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company/2: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
Hankow, December 2, 1938—4
p.m.
[Received December 2—2 p.m.]
[Received December 2—2 p.m.]
85. Referring to my telegram of April [December] 28, 3 [6] p.m., 1937, and to my despatch No. 425, April 29 [23], 1938,51 regarding William Hunt and Company and Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company.
- 1.
- Japanese Consul called yesterday and stated that according to information from Japanese military the factory of Nanyang Brothers outside Hankow is flying the flag of the United States (see Embassy Hankow’s telegram No. 180, March 30, noon52); that investigation by the Japanese military shows that the property in question is not American property although they understand that Hunt has an interest therein which interest, they stated, would be protected. They requested (a) that in order to prevent an incident in connection with the flag I use my influence with Hunt to have the flag removed, and (b) information regarding the extent of the American interest in the property.
- 2.
- I wrote yesterday to Hunt’s Hankow representative reminding him that the Embassy and this office had previously informed him that we do not consider the property in question has acquired the character of American property and requesting him “to take steps to avoid the occurrence of any incident which might involve the forcible removal of or disrespect to the flag” on this property.
- 3.
- This morning I called on Japanese Consul General and stated in response to yesterday’s request for information concerning extent of American interest in property that Hunt had submitted certain documents in support of his claim to the property which had been forwarded to the Department and that pending instructions which I was requesting I was not prepared to say what is the American interest therein. The Japanese Consul General stated that Japanese intend to occupy the property but would delay doing so for “2 or 3 days”.
- 4.
- Despatch No. 424 [425], April 23, contained copies of all documents on this case. I have nothing further to submit. I request Department’s instructions regarding attitude to be taken by this office referring to representations if any to be made either before or in event proposed Japanese occupation of the property takes place.
Repeated to Chungking, Shanghai.
Josselyn