611.9331/5–2049: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 23—1:37 a. m.]
341. Shanghai telegram 46, May 6, sent Department 1528. ConGen took up with Tientsin FonAffs Bureau question Consul personnel calling on American ships at Taku Bar and was told question travel outside Tientsin within province Tientsin Public Safety Bureau. Latter Bureau, when approached, referred to non-recognition Consulates and said question raised by US not covered by Bureau’s regulations. Reiteration of our desire to have facilities to perform services for American ships brought forth same reply.
This is further example of Communist refusal take cognizance ConGen except where ConGen functions to Communists’ interest, as in issuance Consular Invoices which facilitates Communist foreign trade.
We feel having master request consular officer call on ship worth trying.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 210, [Shanghai] 234, Hong Kong 342.