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SECRE T.
CHER
327
From:
G.O. C. Hong Kong.
Desp. 2014 4/12/39. Recd. 1555 4/12/39.
To
A
The War Office.
6104 Cipher 4/12.
F12446
7 DEO 1939
My 6059 30/11.
Have you had any formal notification of proposed relief
of Ishino by Suzuki. From point of view of local defence it is
questionable whether Suzuki will be able to find out anything
which Japanese do not already know, but anomaly of Japanese
officer being allowed to reside in this fortress in time of
war is a matter of policy on which I would like instructions.
The matter is aggravated by presence of Japanese on border
by fact that Ishino's bureau is intelligence bureau for South
China and not only Hong Kong, and that return of Suzuki who
has already done one tour here constitutes tacit admission on
both sides that his duties are intelligence and not linguistic.
If continued residence of Japanese officer is to be
allowed consider relief of Ishino will provide an opportunity
to make permission a very special favour and to demand a
substantual quid pro quo.
C. 4. (Telegrams)
Copies to: M.0.1. 2. 2a.
M.1.2. 2c
Mr. Howe (F.0.)
Commander Barry (Admiralty)
Wing Commander Grant (Air Ministry)
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