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Cope, & A.MP. Hem Rea 19
16/6/25.
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SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION AND WAR CABINET.
From: JAPAN.
Decode. Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo);
15th November, 1959.
11.30 a.m. 15th November, 1939.
D.
R. 8.50 p.m.
15th November, 1939.
No. 1509 (R).
cccccccccccccccccco
My telegram No.
1495.
F11
F11917
16 NOV IARS
Announcement of reduction of North China garrison has on the whole been well received by Japanese Press as likely to have a good effect upon Anglo-Japanese relations generally. There is however a marked tendency to connect the step with Japanese Governments' request of September 5, that parties to European War would take precautions against occurrence of incidents in China. Nichi, which was the only paper to comment [2 gps. und.] yesterday refers to this, but sees in our action prospect of better atmosphere in Anglo-Japanese relations in North China and a possibility that some day Great Britain and France will place full confidence in Japan as regards protection of their rights in China. Great Britain's change of attitude is an expression of her real [?grp. omtd] is ticklish policy, and if she continues to pursue it, she will realise that co-operation with Japan is the only way to maintain her rights and interests.
Editorial in Kokumin today, warns against taking it for granted that movement indicates a volte face in British policy, points out that garrisons might be increased again when the situation improves in Europe, and says that, so long as the objectionable principle of maintaining foreign troops in China is not removed, a
reduction/
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