393.115 Standard Vacuum Oil Co./277
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 27.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch no. 585 of July 9, 19409 respecting the occurrence of attacks by Chinese armed forces on installation properties of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company at Ichang, Hupeh, China, and particularly to the alleged shelling by Chinese armed forces of a residence in the installation compound of the American company on July 1, 1940; and to enclose herewith a copy in translation of a self-explanatory note received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated August 4, 194010 containing allegations to the effect that Japanese troops were active at the time in the vicinity of the property of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company and that Chinese [Page 895] artillery troops were obliged to return fire for purposes of self-defense.
The Embassy has invited the comment of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company with respect to the allegations contained in the note received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Respectfully yours,