893.512/735: Telegram
The Consul General of Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—7:10 a.m.]
Referring to Department’s telegram of October 1, 6 p.m. Nationalist Government has now suspended collection of thirty percent special tax on wines, and American importers are able to clear their cargoes by the payment of treaty duty and so-called Washington surtaxes. I am no longer accepting payment of treaty duty on wines as authorized by the Department. Some of my colleagues are inclined to hold the collections made on account of tobacco products and wines until called for by Customs. See enclosure 4 to my despatch number 5051 of October 28th.84 In other words the Customs shall take the initiative. The suspension is not announced, therefore presumed not retroactive. Repeated to Legation.
- Despatch and enclosures not printed.↩