793.94/4378: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 24—3 a.m.]
265. 1. On January 22nd Hanson reported that he had reason to believe that Colonel Dohihara would become adviser to the civil administrator’s office and would have under him Japanese advisers to the local governmental departments. In view of the likelihood of Japanese dominance of local government Hanson inquired whether, in the event of a reorganization of the Municipal Government, the Consulate [Page 425] General should attempt to secure American representation in any new Municipal Council formed.
2. With the occupation of Harbin by the Japanese and complete reorganization of various local government administrations including the municipality, the question of American participation in a new Municipal Council arises. Hanson expresses the following opinion:
“February 19, 11 a.m. Your telegram of February 24 [sic], 11 a.m. I believe it advisable for consular body or extraterritorial consuls to attempt to participate in the reorganization of the municipal government with the view of securing representation therein and an equitable system of taxation.”
3. Legation agrees with Hanson but requests Department’s instructions.