LIMITED DISTRIBUTION.
151
51
Decypher.
Sir A. Clark Kerr (Shanghai)
30th July, 1940.
D.
7.25 p.m.
30th July, 1940.
R.
9.00 p.m.
30th July, 1940.
No.649.
[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Following is continuation of my immediately preceding
telegram.
6.
There is [? partially] an element of bluff in Japanese attitude, but the position of customs has only been maintained by much ingenuity and the position is undoubtedly serious. Inspector-General of Customs, in order to strengthen his hand, has appealed to the United States Government through the United States Consul-General here to make some statement reaffirming their interest in integrity of customs. Meanwhile he is considering the possibility of appointing a Japanese official as deputy commissioner [? or] lesser [? rank] at Hong Kong office; but this solution, even if acceptable to Hong Kong authorities, would be criticized by the Chinese Government and might give rise to an awkward situation if the Japanese forces withdraw from the border areas. Inspector-General of Customs considers that unless he can get some [? outside] support his position will become even more difficult than it is at present.
7. I assume we are not in a position to do anything much at present and our support might even do more harm than good. [? Successful] intervention by United States Government might possibly ease the situation a little.
Repeated to Washington telegram No.8 and saving to Tokyo, Chungking and Hong Kong.