Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The Far East, Volume V

693.002/1105: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)

Washington, July 17, 1941—10 p.m.

406. Reference Shanghai’s 843, July 12, 11 a.m.,⁵¹ Inspectorate General of Customs.

1. Please protest strongly to the Japanese Foreign Office, in such manner as you may deem appropriate, against the action of Japanese officials in causing the withholding of funds necessary to meet the current expenses of the Inspectorate General of the Chinese Maritime Customs in order to force compliance with Japanese demands in regard to increased Japanese representation in the Customs personnel. Say that this Government has repeatedly brought to the attention of the Japanese Government its interest in the maintenance of the administrative integrity of the Chinese Maritime Customs and that this Government considers that the withholding of the funds in question for the purpose of forcing compliance with Japanese demands is utterly indefensible and that this Government urges that the Japanese Government issue appropriate instructions in the matter without delay.

2. You may wish to consult your British colleague⁵² and invite him to take separate parallel action in the event that he has not already made an approach to the Japanese Government in the matter.

3. The American Consul General at Shanghai⁵³ is authorized, in his discretion, to make known to the Inspector General of Customs⁵⁴ the substance of this telegram.

Welles

51. Not printed.
52. Sir Robert L. Craigie, British Ambassador in Japan.
53. Frank P. Lockhart.
54. Sir Frederick W. Maze, British.