Members of British and American Chambers of Commerce Meet; "Closed Door" Threat 'ALLOWING the despatch of the recent American note protesting -against Japan's "closed door" policy in areas occupied by her troops, it is believed that further representations will be made by the British Government following a private meeting of members of the British and American Chambers of Commerce in Shanghai, which took place yesterday morning. Although no official statement concerning the business of the meeting was distributed, it is believed that the discussions dealt with the Japanese treatment of foreign business firms in China, and as Australian and Canadian trade officials were invited also, it is surmised that the question of joint action against Japanese discrimination was the main object of the meeting.
Meanwhile Mr. W. H. Plant, president of the American Chamber of Commerce, will leave for the "United States, where he will confer with the heads of various State departments. His visit is expected to last about six months, but it is understood that he will retain the presidency of the American body during this time. Mr. A. E. Schumadier, manager of the Chase Bank, "Shanghai, vice-president ai the American Chamber of Commerce, Will act as president during Mr. Plant's absence.
Officials of the British and American Chambers of Commerce refused to give any statements yesterday as to the business of the meeting, but close ce-operation between the two bodies, in view of the serious questions confronting them in the matter of the future of foreign trade in China, is expected. That these bodies will inform their respective governments of all the facts concerning trade in China and of the dark outlook for British and American firms, is quoted by many as being One of the first moves in the co-
Operative scheme.
American businessmen in Shanghai have sent a lengthy telegram to the US. Department of State in "Washington expressing their gratitude for the official action that has been taken in connection with the recent note to Tokyo regarding Japanese discriminatory action against the trade of American interests in China. Sent under the auspices of the American Association of Shanghai the cable reads as follows:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.