851G.6363/19: Telegram

The Consul at Saigon (Browne) to the Secretary of State

108. My telegrams numbers 100, September 30, 8 a.m. and 105, October 4, 8 [9] a.m.2

Local heads of Standard-Vacuum Oil Company and Texas Company were advised this morning that the Government would requisition their properties “whenever the need should arise”—that is, when the Japanese demand oil storage space. The companies feel that this probably represents the most that the Government can do to protect their properties from outright seizure by the Japanese. However, they are very critical of the exemption of the Shell terminal from requisitioning.

Sent to Cavite for repetition to the Department, Hong Kong, Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.

Browne
  1. Neither printed.