811.20 Defense (M)/14301: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in China ( Atcheson )

1178. For Fowler from Rosenthal, OEW. The following information in regard to tungsten is requested by OEW.

1.
Amounts of tungsten being smuggled into Japan from China.
2.
In crossing borders what method is used.
3.
Regarding quantities going to Japan, would preemptive purchasing reduce this, or if we competed with enemy in offering higher prices, would enemy continue to obtain needed quantities as a result of increased production.
4.
What prices are Japanese and NRC paying for metal.
5.
Are consumers’ goods or cash being used as payment.
6.
Due to shipping points is there existence of any differentials.
7.
Regarding Japanese stockpile position and current requirements, please cable any information Embassy may have.

The same information with respect to antimony is also requested. [Rosenthal.]

Berle