894.512/37: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Grew )

53. Your 88, February 9, 4 p.m. It is the Department’s view that any special taxes imposed exclusively for the support of the present hostilities in China would clearly appear to be in effect “military exactions or contributions” from which American nationals are exempt under Article I of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation.

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Should you have information showing that American citizens have been or may be subjected to the special taxes in question, the pertinent facts should be telegraphically reported together with your comments as to the advisability of representations.

Hull