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SECRET.
MTS SAGF
FROM: Naval Liaison Officer, Shanghai.
Interdepartmental Cypher.
IN.
DATE:
6.3.39.
RECD: 1917.
ADDRESSED: C. in C. China, repeated Consul General, Canton,
H.M.Ambassador, Tokyo, Admiralty, H.M.Ambassador, Shanghai.
Your 1413 26th February (not to H.M.Ambassador Shanghai).
Following replies received from American and French Commanders
in Chief.
2. Admiral Yarnell wishes me to inform you that he has
not been notified and colleagues intend to notify Japanese
authorities of movements of Naval vessels along South China
coast.
3.
Vice Admiral Le Bigot fully aware of demand presented
by the Japanese Consul General Canton, that "arships and
merchant vessels should not proceed to Hoihow and, if at any
time warships should wish to go there, they should give at
least 48 hours' notice of their intention to Japanese
authorities, including dates of arrival, departure and reason
of visit.
Admiral appreciates that these claims are inadmissible,
but sees no means of avoiding them other than by not sending
warships to Fcihow. However as it will be necessary to
dispatch sloop to Hoihow in near future to effect relief of
French Consul there and to maintain contact with French
missionary in Hainan, Admiral intends under these
exceptional circumstances to give information to Japanese
authorities...........
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