793.94112/403: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, November 11, 1940.
[Received November 11—11:20 a.m.]
[Received November 11—11:20 a.m.]
1233. My 1215, November 7, 4 p.m.29
- 1.
- Lang reported on November 4th that radio from his motor vessel Estelle L dated November 2, 8 a.m. stated her papers undergoing inspection by Japanese destroyer and as her daily radio message not received since November 2 he suspected she had been seized by Japanese.
- 2.
- Inquiry made November 5 [at] Japanese Consulate General elicited information that navy had not received complete report and hesitated to make statement. Japanese Consulate General now states navy admit seizing Estelle L because she had cargo aboard from Wenchow proclaimed blockaded by Japanese.
- 3.
- Japanese Consulate General orally reported it was his [its?] opinion that navy would not release Estelle L until Lang agreed to cease trading in zones proclaimed blockaded by Japanese.
- 4.
- Oral and written representations have been made to the Japanese authorities regarding detention of Estelle L.
- 5.
- Shanghai’s 1205, November 6, 6 p.m. and 1215, November 7, 4 p.m.30 have been repeated to Chungking and Peiping. Sent to the Department, repeated to Chungking and Peiping.
Lockhart