Page 186
F 2632
Military Branch,
233
Sb
16 MAR 1939
Admiralty, S.W.1.
13th March, 1939.
Page 186
Dear Scott,
The Opposition have given notice that in
the course of the debate on the Navy Estimates on
Wednesday they will bring forward the charge that the
مل
Royal Navy did not properly carry out their duty of
and of
supporting British interests, for protecting British
lives and property in China. It is gathered that
they will be mainly concerned with the Yangtse
gunboats, which, they allege, are afraid to go
up
the river, and with the Rear Admiral, Yangtse, whom
they will accuse of spending all his time at Shanghai.
I attach a copy (without annexures) of a
note which I have hurriedly dictated for the information
of the Civil Lord, who will be replying to the debate.
I shall be very grateful if you will let me
know sometime tomorrow whether you have any comments.
Yours sincerely,
во
Jamett
A.L. Scott, Esq.,
Foreign Office,
S.W.1.
Page 186
Page 186