651G.11251/10: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5—2:23 p.m.]
2049. Department’s 896, December 1, 5 p.m. I have discussed this question with Hoppenot, Chief of the Far Eastern Division at the Foreign Office. He states that motor trucks are not included in list of war materials the transshipment of which through Indo-China is prohibited. He also states that the “rumor” that difficulties can be avoided by paying the full Indo-Chinese import duty is entirely untrue because in fact no difficulties exist.
He says that the only types of trucks which are refused transit are those manifestly designed or capable of being used for military purposes such as caterpillar types, those fitted with gun mounts, et cetera. He says that after the capture of Canton permission was refused for a short time for the transit of all trucks through Indo-China because such a large number of them were diverted there that time was required to sift out the “non-military” trucks from the “military” trucks. Instructions since then have been given to the Governor General of Indo-China to authorize the transit of all “non-military” trucks and motorcars.
Hoppenot asserts that there is therefore no discrimination as between American cars and trucks and French cars and trucks and adds that if we will furnish him with information regarding any specific case in which difficulties are encountered he will be glad to send the necessary instructions to the Governor General.