893.102 Kulangsu/177: Telegram

The Chargé in Japan ( Dooman ) to the Secretary of State

280. Department’s 166, June 17, 2 p.m., referring to Amoy’s 52, June 15, 6 p.m.

1.
When I informed the British Embassy today of the representations which I am desired to make, it developed that the information received from the British Consul General at Amoy was to the effect that the Japanese are preventing Chinese junks from going to Kulangsu without first putting in at Amoy and being inspected there, whereas the Chinese authorities have forbidden junks to go to Amoy. He did not report that shipment of food and fuel had been forbidden by the Japanese. He agrees, however, that a shortage of food and fuel is threatened.
2.
In view of some doubt whether the Japanese have actually forbidden food and fuel to be shipped to Kulangsu, I felt that a protest in these circumstances to the Foreign Minister himself13 along the lines desired by the Department might be premature. I did, however, make a statement today to the Director of the American Bureau objecting to Japanese interference with food and fuel supplies for the purpose of bringing about compliance with Japanese demands and pointing out again that demands supported by pressure in any form would be resisted. Yoshizawa denied that there was any calculated effort to prevent food and other supplies being sent to the Settlement.
3.
Amoy is requested to clarify by telegraph the point in doubt.

Repeated to Peiping, Chungking, Amoy.

Dooman
  1. Hachiro Arita.