351G.115/14: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:06 p.m.]
68. My telegram no. 67, May 24, 11 a.m. Both the United States Far Eastern Trading Corporation and the North American Syndicate received letters from the Japanese authorities at Haiphong late this afternoon stating that on the instructions of the Japanese mission at Hanoi the Japanese authorities at Haiphong are going to take possession of the properties of the two companies (warehouses and cargoes stored therein) tomorrow morning and demanding that all keys be [Page 158] sent to them and that the American representatives of the two companies do not oppose the seizure of the properties.
The Government General informs me that a second protest has been made to the Japanese but admits that the protest will have little effect. The Government General agrees that the only possible attitude of the American representatives is to reiterate the American nationality of the two companies, to refuse to deliver the keys, and to inform the Japanese authorities at Haiphong that any forcible entry and seizure of property will be on their responsibility.
Sent to Cavite for repetition to the Department, Chungking, Pei-ping, Hong Kong, Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.