893.24/1082: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 11—8:30 a.m.]
666. Department’s telegram 440, May 28, 7 p.m., concerning Japanese seizures of American goods in Indochina.
Chauvel said this afternoon that he had telegraphed to Hanoi to ascertain the facts before replying to the Embassy’s note. He said: “Frankly we were not in a position as a practical question to prevent the Japanese from taking these goods; however, if their seizure was carried out with the connivance or under the pressure of any French authorities in Indochina it was contrary to explicit instructions. We certainly did not wish to be a party to any such attempt against which we ourselves have vigorously protested both before and after the seizure.”
Chauvel added that he has had practically no news of interest on the Far East for some days, particularly no indication as to Japan’s [Page 176] future policies. He confirmed reports that the Russians are apparently keeping the Chinese well supplied with arms and munitions.