693.113 (Manchuria) Petroleum/41: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 22—2:10 p.m.]
126. My telegram No. 114, March 12, 4 p.m.;83 and despatch No. 564, March 13,84 concerning “Manchukuo” customs on illuminating oils. I have just been advised informally by Chief of Far Eastern Department as follows:
“Apparently owing to the uncompromising attitude of the Manchurian customs authorities this question has again become more acute. Your Legation at Peiping has we understand recommended to the State Department that the United States Embassy at Tokyo should take the matter up with the Japanese Government, and our Minister in China has suggested to Sir Francis Lindley85 the desirability of concerting action in the matter with his United States colleague. We are seeking the views of the appropriate Department of the Board of Trade on the technical aspects of the case, and I will not fail to keep you posted of any further development which may occur on our side.”
Foreign Office asks what decision you may reach on the whole question.