121.67/3–2949: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 31—5:10 a. m.]
180. Deptel 60, March 2154 received March 26. On March 28 ConGen informally approached official Foreign Affairs section Tientsin Military Control Committee regarding possibility officer this ConGen exchange mail with courier at Taku Bar. Official stated that under present condition of nonrecognition Consulates, such special privileges as courier facilities would be in contravention present Committee policy. He suggested use ordinary mail. We had previously discussed with this official questions of receipt by ConGen of only small part of mail since it reasonable assume had been addressed to us and he had replied this matter concerned postal authorities and was one in which he could not intervene. He restated on March 28 he in no position to expedite our receipt mail through regular postal channels.
Attitude authorities precludes resumption of any type courier service at present.