893.76/87: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:14 p.m.]
282. Your 146, February 16, 8 p.m. I cannot obtain definite information that direct radio service with the United States will be resumed May 1 but Japanese appear to have told representatives of the radio companies that they have transmitters en route for the purpose of direct services in the near future. I have reliable information that a central receiving station is in process of completion having practically the same capacity as former Chinese receiving station at Liu-hong near Shanghai. Some of the Chinese employees of the radio service have taken employment under the Japanese. Shecklen admits that R.C.A. circuit via Manila was reestablished February 12 but have found the service is slow and inefficient. Traffic to the United States has fallen off heavily, due partly to slow service but also to disinclination of business houses to patronize a Japanese-controlled station.
2. The American, British and French companies have opened conversations with the Japanese proposing revival of proposal for a neutral international radio service under a neutral committee but subject to Japanese censorship and other restrictions in the same manner as cables. If Japanese agree, which is very doubtful, committee will then see what can be done to obtain use of former equipment and personnel; consent to which from Chinese side is equally doubtful.