393.115/550: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
Hankow, January
17, 1939—5 p.m.
[Received January 18—7 a.m.]
[Received January 18—7 a.m.]
18. Japanese are requiring all small craft including foreign launches to obtain permits from Japanese Navy Special Service Section in order to move in Hankow harbor. Standard Oil Company have requested my advice and possible assistance in applying for permits for company’s launches, et cetera.
In my opinion this office should not apply for permits on behalf of American firms nor should it advise firms to apply direct. Understand this is also British attitude.
Repeated to Shanghai and Chungking.
Josselyn