693.002/1036: Telegram

The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State

701. The Inspector General of Customs has handed to me a letter in which he states that he feels that the present Japanese pressure to obtain stronger control over customs establishments will if unchecked jeopardize the stability of the inspectorate and that foreign support is more than ever essential at this time. He feels that public reiteration of the American attitude regarding the integrity of the Customs would be advisable. I informed him orally that I would bring his views to the attention of the Department.

Sent to Department. Repeated to Chungking.

Butrick