893.841 Surtax/9: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:26 p.m.]
767. Legation’s 705, July 8, 3 p.m., and 751, July 22, 3 p.m. For lowing from American consul at Shanghai:
“July 27, 2 [3?] p.m. Continuing my July 21, 4 p.m. The plan proposed therein was unsuccessfully tried by the American vessel Steel Voyager, July 16th. The vessel then paid surtax under protest.
At a meeting of American shipping interests on the 25th it was decided to ask the Shipping Board for permission to clear the Patrick Henry by consular clearance about July 28th. After which attempt, final decision will be made by shipping interests. The United States Shipping Board representative has cabled the Shipping Board for instructions.
I fear that tonnage is too closely allied with import and export duties to make entirely practical in all cases my suggestion of July 7, 9 p.m.93 The shipping companies must assume too many risks if decision is made on this point solely. Little difficulty is expected in extending protection so far as the ships are concerned but unless the entire illegal duties are to be contested other attendant results, such as the cancellation of annual bond, is more difficult [sic] without which the clearance of vessels will be seriously and extensively delayed.”