893.4061 Motion Pictures/189
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 10.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of despatch No. 253 of June 19, 1936, from the Consulate General at Shanghai61 in regard to the confiscation of two films belonging to American motion picture companies. The two films in question are “The Cat’s Paw” distributed by Fox Film, Federal Incorporated, U. S. A., and “Oil for the Lamps of China” belonging to Warner Brothers First National Pictures, Incorporated. The National Motion Picture Censorship Committee took exception to the pictures on the grounds that they were derogatory to China and the Chinese and refused to permit them to be exhibited. The companies thereupon requested the return of the films for reexportation but they were informed by the committee that the films had been confiscated and would not be returned.
I discussed this matter with Counselor Peck62 recently in Nanking and came to the conclusion that there was not adequate reason for the confiscation of the above-mentioned films by the censorship committee. I therefore directed Mr. Peck to take up the matter with the censorship committee or other appropriate Government department with a view to bringing about the return of the films to the American owners. [Page 671] A copy of a memorandum on the subject dated June 28, 1936, prepared by Mr. Peck, is enclosed.63 There is also enclosed a copy of a despatch dated July 2, 1936, from Mr. Peck63 informing me of the action taken by him. The Department will note that Mr. Peck called on the Director of the Motion Picture Censorship Committee on July 1, and, although the release of the films was not effected at that time, he has hopes of ultimate success.
The Department will be informed of further developments.
Respectfully yours,