Office of the Historian

390.1115A/93: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, October 23, 1940—11 a.m.
[Received October 23—7:50 a.m.]

538. Shanghai’s 1126, October 21, 5 p.m. and Peiping’s 394, October 22, 11 a.m. I endorse views expressed by Shanghai regarding rates to be charged evacuees. I suggest that if private shipping company insists on regular fares the Government should bear part thereof thus relieving evacuees. It is unreasonable to expect evacuated American citizens to sacrifice personal businesses and belongings and at the [Page 941] same time penalize them when they are patriotically attempting to comply with the Government’s desires.

Sent to the Department. Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai.

Johnson