§155 Authority of registrar in obtaining evidence

Summary

The registrar can require people to come to hearings and bring books, papers, or other evidence. He can issue subpoenas in China or, if a witness lives or is staying outside China, at a hearing within fifty miles of that person. The registrar can also have depositions taken by someone who can give oaths; the testimony must be written down and signed by the person who speaks. The registrar or a person he authorizes can give oaths and question witnesses. Witnesses must get the same fees and travel pay that federal court witnesses receive. If someone refuses to obey a subpoena or is uncooperative, the registrar can ask a federal district court to order compliance, and the court can punish failure to obey. The registrar or an authorized U.S. officer may examine and copy any books, accounts, records, papers, or letters about a China Trade Act corporation during normal hours. Anyone who refuses access, blocks the registrar, or hinders copying can be fined up to $5,000 for each offense. The United States can sue to collect that fine.