393.115 Standard Vacuum Oil Co./112
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
Sir: Reference is made to Shanghai’s despatch no. 2012 of February 16, 1939,55 in regard to the seizure by Japanese armed forces of [Page 321] stocks belonging to the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company from its installation at Pengpu, Anhwei, and to Shanghai’s despatch no. 2027 of February 24, 1939,56 in regard to the seizure by Japanese armed forces at Nantungchow, Kiangsu, of a motor sampan belonging to and a motor launch chartered to the same company.
Although the financial loss to the company as a result of the seizures does not appear to be great it is noted that the cases involve clear and flagrant violations of the rights and interests of an American company. It is also noted that, in spite of the numerous representations which the Consulate General has made and the long period of time which has elapsed since the original seizures, the Japanese authorities in China give no indication that a satisfactory settlement of either of the cases may be achieved in the near future.
In view of the above considerations you are authorized, provided you are informed by the Consul General at Shanghai that his efforts to settle these cases still afford no promise of meeting with success in the near future, to make such representations as you may deem appropriate to the Japanese Government in regard to the cases under reference.57
A copy of this instruction is being forwarded to the Consul General at Shanghai in order that he may communicate with you directly in regard to the current status of these cases.
Very truly yours,