Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East; The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

393.0015/105: Telegram

The Consul at Hankow (Jarvis) to the Secretary of State

Hankow, June 9, 1939—10 a.m.
[Received 8 p.m.]

125. Reference is made to the fifth paragraph of my telegram 121, June 5, noon.⁸¹

1. In identic communication dated May 31, 1939 the Japanese Consul General informed the foreign Consuls at Hankow that foreign civilians wishing to travel down river from this part of the war zone must travel in ships designated by the Japanese authority; that foreign civilians wishing to land from gunboats or ships in this war zone will be refused (permission to land) unless they have a pass from the Japanese military authorities at the port of embarkation; that the Japanese military here will issue passes for those desiring to leave in designated ships; that permits must be obtained from the Japanese military authorities for the despatch of baggage and household effects of foreign civilians traveling down river; and that when deemed necessary the Japanese military authorities will examine baggage. The letter also states that “merchandise in general is prohibited to transport by the Japanese military authorities.”

2. While these requirements were undoubtedly formulated with particular reference to travel by the British merchant ships which arrived from Shanghai on June 3rd, they are stated in general terms and, it is believed, are intended to be given general application. I have not acknowledged the Japanese Consul General’s communication and have not discussed it with him.

3. Copies of the Japanese Consul General’s communication and of a pass such as the Japanese authorities at Shanghai have been issuing to foreigners travelling up river are being forwarded to the Department, Chungking, Peiping, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Repeated to Chungking, Shanghai, and Peiping.

Shanghai please air mail to Tokyo.

Jarvis

81. Not printed.