Roy Maxwell Talbot papers
Finding aid created by Sonoma State University Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Sonoma State University Library
2021
Special Collections
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
(707) 664-4152
specialcollections@sonoma.edu
http://library.sonoma.edu/specialcollections/
Title: Roy Maxwell Talbot papers
Dates: 1908-1943
Collection Number: Consult repository
Creator/Collector:
Talbot, Roy Maxwell 1880-1963.
Extent: Six linear feet
Online items available
Repository:
Sonoma State University Library
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Abstract: Roy Maxwell Talbot (1880-1963) began his career in the Chinese Maritime Customs in 1908. He served as Commissioner of Customs
from 1935 until 1938, when he became Audit Secretary in the Inspectorate General's Office. He was in that position until 1942.
In July of 1932, Talbot was arrested by Japanese officials in Antung, Manchuria for refusing to hand over the Chinese customs
revenues. In 1941, he was held in the Bridge House, an infamous dungeon, for forty-two days. Talbot's detention by the Japanese
created an international incident. Newspapers around the world carried headlines of an arrest of an "American" employed by
the Chinese.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research by appointment.
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
Roy Maxwell Talbot papers. Sonoma State University Library
Biography/Administrative History
Roy Maxwell Talbot (1880 -1963) began his career in the Chinese Maritime Customs in 1908. He served as Commissioner of Customs
from 1935 until 1938, when he became Audit Secretary in the Inspectorate General's Office. He was in that position until 1942.
He served in Canton, Icheng, Nanking, Shanghai, Harbin, Swatow, Kongmoon, Aigun, Antung, Changsha, Amoy and Kunning. In July,
1932, Talbot was arrested by Japanese officials in Antung, Manchuria for refusing to hand over the Chinese customs revenues.
In 1941 he was held in the Bridge House, an infamous dungeon, for 42 days. Talbot's detention by the Japanese created an international
incident. Newspapers around the world carried headlines of an arrest of an "American" employed by the Chinese.
Scope and Content of Collection
Diaries, printed material, photographs and negatives, personal correspondence, radio script, copies of official papers, ephemeral
material, artifacts and miscellaneous records of Roy Maxwell Talbot document his life in China as a Customs Service Agent
from 1908-1942. The diaries contain the greatest depth of information. The majority of the photographs are not identified.
The collection is contained in 12 boxes that comprises approximately six linear feet of storage space.
China -- History -- 1912-1928.
China -- History -- Republic, 1912-1949.
China -- History -- Politics and government -- 1912-1949.
World War, 1914-1918 -- China.
World War, 1939-1945 -- China.
Talbot, Roy Maxwell 1880-1963.
Swatow (Canton, China).
Shantou (Guangdong Sheng, China).