893.515/1460: Telegram
The Consul at Chefoo (Roberts) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—2:50 a.m.]
For some time police agents at passenger jetty have been searching passengers arriving at Chefoo for Chinese national currency and confiscating any old currency found in their possession.
The first case involving Americans was reported to this Consulate October 21st when a police agent searched Willey G. Abouchar, an [Page 467] American citizen arriving from Shanghai, and his wife, confiscating 6 dollars Chinese national currency.
The victims reported the matter to the Consulate while the search was on and my intervention led to the immediate return of the money.
October 27th I used the incident as a basis for an oral protest to the Chief of the Police Affairs Bureau against the illegal search of Americans and attempted confiscation of American property, requesting Chief of Police to issue orders exempting Americans from search. He refused, saying that he was carrying out orders received from Municipal Government, and referred me to the Mayor’s office. I am repeating my protest and request in a formal letter to the Mayor of Chefoo pointing out that confiscation of American property is a violation of treaty rights.
Sent to Peiping, repeated to Chungking.