2.
in regard to the proposal contained in Sir Miles Lampson's telegram No. 674 of April 11th in favour
of impounding the procends of the surtaxes at
Shanghai. We suggest that the Secretary of State
should at the same time invite the views of the
Consul-General as to the effect of such action on
Chiang Kai-shek's military position:
5. The destruction of the Dane Island and
Bogue Forts covering the sea approaches to Canton is
another possible form of sanction. We reserve our
final opinion on this until we have received replies
to telegrains which are being sent to the General
Officer Commanding and the Senior Nevel Officer and
a detailed report from our joint Planning Sub-
Committee:
6. In connection with 5 we recommend that the
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs should send
a telegram to the Acting Consul-General at Canton
warning him that the Senior Naval Officer may ask
whether there is any political objection to an air
reconnaissance of the Dane Island and Bogue forts
if the Senior Naval Officer himself considers this
course desirable. We venture to suggest that the
Secretary of State should consider the desirability
of himself giving the Acting Consul-General some
guidance on the political side of this proposel. We
also suggest that the Governor of Hongkong should be
informed.
Please
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