Page 334
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT 311
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.
Page 334
SECRET.
C.O.S. (40) 496.
26TH JUNE, 1940.
WAR CABINET.
CHIFFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
COPY NO.
37
Page 334
BURMA AND HONG KONG FRONTIERS.
Copy of a telegram from Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo) dated 25th June, 1940, to the Foreign Office.
No. 1089.
IMPORTANT.
My telegram No. 1072.
In further interview with the Military Attaché on 24th June, Director of Military Intelligence again emphasised the importance of speed in arriving at our decision regarding the Japanese demands for closing the Burma and Hong Kong frontiers. Daily conferences were being held at the General Staff at which the Director of Military Intelligence claimed to be exercising moderating influence but asserted that his position was becoming increasingly difficult with the growing impatience of army opinion, which is determined to end China incident as soon as possible and regards complete stoppage of material via Burma and Hong Kong as well as Indo- China as of vital importance in accomplishing this object. He realised the necessity for consultation with the United States, but considered that we must tell the United States quite plainly that non-compliance with Japanese demands would have serious consequences for us far out-weighing the small loss entailed by compliance.
2.
As a result of the conversation the French Military Attache, who saw the Japanese Director of Military Intelligence (3 grps. undec.). Military Attachè considers, and I agree, the in the present temper of the Japanese army stringent precautions should be taken at Hong Kong to avoid possibility of provoking any incident.
Repeated to Shanghai No. 463, Commander-in-Chief No. 330, (Commander-in-Chief pass to the Governor, Hong Kong, No. 183) Washington No. 89, Singapore No. 60, (Singapore pass to Burma No. 15).
496
Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.
26TH JUNE, 1940.
Page 334
Page 334