693.002/1107: Telegram

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

1117. Department’s 406, July 27 [17], 10 p.m., Inspectorate General ex-member [of] Chinese Maritime Customs. He [The Embassy?] has been delayed in taking action in order to ascertain from Shanghai whether the information contained in its 843, July 12, 11 a.m.55 was sufficiently authoritative to warrant a formal protest. Shanghai replied July 25, 5 p.m. that the funds were withheld but that the demand for a Japanese Commissioner at Shanghai had been made orally and indirectly.

The Embassy’s first-person note to the Foreign Office of July 29 accordingly stressed the withholding of the funds and the necessity for maintaining the integrity of the Inspectorate General. The demand for a Japanese Commissioner was not mentioned, as the Foreign Office might deny that it had ever been made.

Sent to the Department via Shanghai, Shanghai please repeat to Chungking and Peiping.

Grew
  1. Not printed.