693.002/868: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3—10:45 a.m.]
258. Shanghai-reports the receipt of a communication dated May 17 from the Inspector General of Customs referring to the promulgation on May 2 of an ordinance of the Wuhan municipality providing for the establishment of a “preparatory office of Customs Administration” apparently for the purpose of directing, supervising and controlling all customs matters. The Inspector General also reports that it is rumored that the Wuhan Municipal Tax Bureau is already collecting duty on native goods from inland places.
The British Embassy has received a similar report though it would appear that no such body as that reported by Maze has been established up to the present. The British think it would be wise for them to put in a word before the plan develops further. They have expressed the hope that we may see our way clear to take similar action.
The question is here raised whether the integrity of the Chinese Customs is involved by the reported action of an ordinance of the Wuhan municipality and if such is the case whether our position as set forth in telegram No. 686, October 26, 5 p.m.80 should be [Page 837] altered. The Department’s instructions in the premises are respectfully requested.
Repeated to Hankow and Chungking.