393.115 Standard Vacuum Oil Company/80: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 16—2 p.m.]
1478. On December 12, I requested the Acting Japanese Consul General to arrange with the Japanese naval authorities for the Standard Vacuum Oil Company’s motor vessel Meiyun to proceed from Kiukiang to Shanghai for much needed overhaul. I suggested that the Meiyun proceed down river with the U. S. S. Guam which is scheduled to leave Hankow for Shanghai on or about December 19.
I have now been orally informed by the Japanese Consulate General that the Japanese naval authorities state they are unable to grant permission because similar requests made on behalf of British vessels have already been refused. I am awaiting receipt of a written explanation but desire to report this case as a particular instance of Japanese refusal to permit navigation on the Yangtze by an American commercial vessel even for the purpose of repairs and as a further instance of Japanese interference with American rights.
Repeated to Tokyo and Hankow. To Peiping by mail.