893.115/294: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lochhart) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, June 1, 1938—11
p.m.
[Received June 1—5:25 p.m.]
[Received June 1—5:25 p.m.]
754. My No. 639, May 11, 11 a.m. regarding return of American missionaries and businessmen to the interior.
[Page 337]- 1.
- Japanese military authorities yesterday agreed to permit the return to Nanking of American missionaries formerly resident there. A total of 10 passes have been issued to such Americans.
- 2.
- Although the great importance of permitting a few representatives of American firms, particularly representatives of the Standard Vacuum Oil Company and the Texas Company, to visit Nanking has been strongly pressed by this office and also by Allison while here, little progress has been made.
In discussing this matter with the Japanese Consul General this morning I gained the impression that if only American businessmen were involved the matter might be arranged but that the Japanese are reluctant to establish a precedent which would permit other businessmen, particularly British, to visit and resume trade in the interior.
Repeated to Hankow, Peiping, Nanking and Tokyo.
Lockhart