198
have been increasing in quantity. I should
appreciate it if you could find it possible to
confirm my assumption that the Governor of Hong
Kong will take measures to assure himself that
shipments of arms ostensibly destined to Macau
are actually destined to that port and in case
he finds that in reality their ultimate destination
is China, he will apply to them the same regulations which he will apply to direct shipments of arms
to China.
5 I assume that the Governor of Hong Kong
will be instructed to continue to scrutinize
shipments of arms and munitions from Belgium and Switzerland to China via Hong Kong, and I should
appreciate it if you could find it possible to
furnish me with information from time to time in
regard to such shipments, in order that I may be
in a position to determine whether the proportion
which they attain warrants reconsideration of the
arrangements which we have now agreed upon.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances
of my highest consideration.
(Signed) WILLIAM PHILLIPS
846 G. 113/249.
Acting Secretary of State.