125.9371/9–2149: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24—12:14 p. m.]
773. Reourtel 715, September 7.26 As French and British Consuls paid house and sanitation taxes, we felt no option but do likewise. Taxes paid September 14 on four Government-owned houses totaled $75 for January–June period or $3.15 per house per month. Payment made with written protest in accordance Depcirtel August 31.27 No bill yet received for ex-Japanese property and possible exempted as dilapidated, unused.
Tax bureau replied our letter August 31 requesting tax exemptions for United States Government-owned properties: “According to regulations, house and sanitation taxes should still be levied on foregoing properties.”
Communist attitude re nonpayment taxes reported by foreigner who protested amount tax his property; he bluntly informed if taxes not paid property confiscated.
As we have reported on many occasions during past 8 months, most recently in ourtel 703, September 3, Communist authorities have consistently taken line that Consulates not recognized and that consular personnel and property foreign governments will be treated as non-official as long as diplomatic relations not established.