393.11B21 Tan, Marcel O./3: Telegram
The Consul at Amoy (MacVitty) to the Secretary of State
Amoy, June 21, 1939—4
p.m.
[Received June 21—1:30 p.m.]
[Received June 21—1:30 p.m.]
57. With reference to my telegram No. 46, June 8, 4 p.m.,1 and Department’s telegram No. 18, June 13, 6 p.m., regarding Marcel O. Tan.
- 1.
- After a conversation with the Japanese Consul General at which the data furnished in the Department’s telegram above-mentioned was presented he still refuses to authorize the release of Tan. He claims that inasmuch as the father was Chinese, Tan is Chinese, this claim being made despite fact that I pointed out that under Philippine law the child of an unmarried Philippine mother, as in the present case, acquires Philippine nationality. I have told Uchida repeatedly that the Japanese authorities have in a number of instances insisted on the turnover to them of persons whose claim to Japanese protection was not very clear and that I could not understand his insistence in this case. It is evident that Uchida has little power in the matter and is taking instructions from the puppet government and naval authorities in Amoy.
- 2.
- The Japanese Vice Consul in a conversation with Vice Consul Altaffer stated that he was of the opinion that Tan’s release would be granted provided I would promise to use my influence in securing the full Japanese demands on the Municipal Council.
- 3.
- In view of the circumstances here it is hoped that the Department will make representations to Tokyo in the matter.
Repeated to Embassy at Peiping, Chungking, Consul General at Shanghai.
MacVitty
- Not printed.↩