124.931/10–1149: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Bacon) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—5:52 a. m.]
2244. Municipal Tax Bureau returned October 6 house tax bills (Embtel 1991, September 3) with exception bill rented premises Chung Shan Lu, formerly USIS and surrendered owner September 17. Bureau repeats demand taxes be paid and further asks submission leases and deeds; also advises bills other properties not yet rendered may be expected.
Embassy replied October 7 stating hope authorities would express views our objections listed our letter August 1 and adding: “It is [Page 836] especially appropriate this be done this time since authorities Peking have recently acknowledged presence official representatives foreign governments at both Nanking and Peking”.91 Also pointed out tax on 1–A Lang Ya Lu (leased by AMilAt) should be cancelled as being in same category as Chung Shan premises.
Possible but doubtful that re-reissuance these bills connected with bid for diplomatic recognition. Re-issuance suggests bills not to be considered feelers only; however as these for period May–June and originally issued July, July–August bills now overdue and reason for delay unknown.
Sent Department 2244. Department pass Shanghai 1177.
- See telegram No. 1665, October 2, 1 p. m., from the Consul General at Peiping, vol. ix, p. 93.↩