793.94112/389: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
790. Reference my 613 [639], July 15, 3 p.m. and 778, August 15.9 Japanese blockade of Ningpo, Wenchow and other ports. Letters have recently been received from the National Aniline and Chemical Company, Cabotage and Trading Company, five companies connected with William Hunt interests (all American) and the American Chamber of Commerce at Shanghai regarding difficulties being encountered and losses suffered as the result of the stoppage by the Japanese blockade of all traffic between Shanghai and Ningpo and Wenchow. These letters emphasize that this route was an important one for trade with unoccupied portions of Central China and that its closure, coincident with measures taken in Indochina and the recent restrictions on American shipments out of Shanghai by rail, has seriously interfered with American trade in this part of China. Mention is also made of losses to shipping. In this connection see my 751, August 7, 3 p.m. Standard-Vacuum Oil Company states that it intends requesting representations regarding its desire to despatch a tank steamer to Ningpo.
This office is also informed that a number of American missionaries are unable to return to their homes and places of work in unoccupied parts of Chekiang Province and that Americans in Chekiang wishing to come to Shanghai are likewise unable to do so.
Some parties have complained on the ground that Chinese Maritime Customs at Shanghai is refusing clearance to goods or ships for these ports. Commissioner of Customs has orally confirmed that such action is being taken at Japanese request. I do not consider, however, that pressure on the Maritime Customs will be of any value.
I have written the Japanese Consul General regarding losses by American business interests and inconvenience to American citizens and requesting the removal of all restrictions by Japanese authorities on trade and intercourse between Shanghai and the blockaded ports.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Peiping, Chungking. Airmail to Tokyo.
- Latter not printed.↩