893.102 Tientsin/579: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 26—12:20 p.m.]
27. During the month elapsed since the termination of the Japanese-American treaty there has been observed no worsening of Japanese-American relations here, or of treatment accorded to Americans at the barriers by Japanese military.
With reference to the numerous cases of interference with the transportation of foodstuffs through the barriers by Americans which occurred during late December and January, as reported in telegrams 9, January 24, 4 p.m.; 13, January 31, 3 p.m.; 18, February 2, 11 a.m., and in monthly political report for January,6 in reply to numerous protests and representations both oral and written, I received a communication from the Japanese Consul General7 dated February 22. A communication had been received from the Japanese military authorities to the effect that instructions had been issued to the barrier sentries and the Chinese police on duty at the barriers that the transportation of foodstuffs is not to be prohibited; but adding that there may occasionally be delays in passing because of the inspections.
All special barrier passes for American women and children requested have been issued promptly and are accomplishing their purpose satisfactorily. As the result of repeated requests 46 military passes for American men have been obtained since my telegram No. 9, January 24, 4 p.m., making a total of 48 out of 75 applied for by this Consulate; these have not been refused but are still under consideration [Page 847] and a few more may be obtained. About 15 American men obtained passes without application through this office, making a total of about 63 military passes in the hands of American men, exclusive of those issued to certain members of this Consulate General.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping, Shanghai, airmail to Tokyo.