Page 224
No. 186 (53/72v/39)
Page 224
AIDE MEMOIRE
175
On the 1st June the Japanese Consul-General at
Canton informed His Majesty's Consul-General that he had
heard on good authority that a Chinese military neroplane
was leaving an aerodrome on Hongkong territory that night
for Chungking and that three more were due to leave early
the next morning for a similar destination. • Okazaki
stated that Japanese neroplanes would be waiting to prevent
their flight and would, if necessary, attack any base which
they might be using. His Majesty's consul-General
immediately pointed out that any attack by Japanese aircraft
within British territory would have the most serious
CONSEQUENGOR »
The incorrectness of the information which had
reached Mr. Oknaaki was speedily established and he was
informed accordingly. He replied, however, that Japanese
authorities could take no chances, and would pursue Chinese
war aeroplanes over British territory if necessary ·
It is hoped that Mr. Okazaki's attention will be
drawn to the fact that the pursuit of enemy sircraft over
neutrel territory is not allowed in International Law.
Consequently. any combatant aircraft violating the
neutrality of Hongkong is liable to be received with
enti-aircraft fire, in which event His Majesty's Government
could take no responsibility for the consequences »
British Embassy,
Tokyo.
23rd June 1989.
Page 224
Page 224
Page 224