SECRET
From.
The Staff Officer (Intelligence), Hong Kong.
Date.
·
6th November 1934.
To
The Commodore, Hong Kong.
Subject. ACTIVITIES OF H.I.J.M.S. "SAGA".
30
Submitted.
A number of references to the activities of H.I.J.M.8. "SAGA" have been made in Hong Kong 8.I.R's and in Hong Kong Situation keports, during the past year.
The following remarks summarise the information regarding this vessel.
H.I.J.M.8. "SAGA" is the sole representative of the Imperial Japanese Navy permanently stationed in South China waters. Her normal ports of call are Hong Kong and Canton with occasional visits to the West River. The majority of "SAGA'S" time is spent at Canton, but she visits Hong Kong on the average once a month for fuel and provisions.
The visits of this vessel to Canton and Hong Kong are so much a matter of routine that as far as it is known at this centre, no particular attention was paid to her activities until October, 1933.
Early in October 1933 "SAGA" sailed for exercises and landed a party of marines at the head of Bias Bay. This incident led to a protest on the part of the Cantonese authorities.
Late October, 1933, "SAGA" asked permission to land Marines in Tolo harbour for the purpose of taking exercise. The request was referred to H.E. The Governor of Hong Kong who refused permission.
In March, 1934, and again in April, 1934, unknown warships were sighted in the vicinity of the islands of Lantau and Cheung Chau. Although evidence in regard to these incidents was by no means conclusive, and was not as far as can be seen in any way connected with "SAGA", they are mentioned in these remarks as a reminder of certain possibilities.
In June, 1934, "SAGA'S" boats were observed sounding in Canton harbour under cover of darkness.
Early August, 1934, "SAGA" sailed for "exercises". On this occasion she proceeded to Dumbell Bay, Bias Bay. Just previous to this the local Press had published some articles in which it was stated that the Cantonese intended to develop Dumbell Bay as a Naval Base.
Mid August, 1934, "SAGA" proceeded for further "exercises". Her activities on this occasion could not be traced.
September, 1934. Searchlights were observed burning intermittently between 2030 12th September and 0530 13th Sept. off S.W. point of Lantau Island just outside British waters. Traced to "SAGA".
October, 1934/
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