893.51/5313: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 1—3:50 p.m.]
527. Department’s 219, June 28, 3 p.m.
1. Following from the Minister at Shanghai:
“June 28, 6 p.m. Your June 27, 2 [3] p.m., to the Consul General, Shanghai. From the Minister: I have no objection to forwarding draft intended for Yen, but I am not convinced of the soundness of the argument used in note to C. T. Wang to the effect that duties on cargo destined for Tientsin cannot properly under the treaties be levied elsewhere.
It appears to me that it would be preferable to be silent on this point and [limit American statement to the] withdrawal of the regular [Page 264] staff of the customshouse saying that this action [on] the [part of this] Government [must] result in a situation prejudicial to the maintenance of the integrity of the customs and express the hope that the Government will see its way clear to continuing the staff at Tientsin while some method is devised acceptable to both sides whereby the customs at Tientsin may continue to function and serve business during the present distressing situation.”
2. In view of the urgency of the situation I telegraphed Minister Johnson that unless he objected I would inform the Senior Minister arrived today of the Department’s concurrence in the two draft notes. No reply having been received I notified the Senior Minister accordingly.