7.
2...
F 5561/60/10.
Sir,
FOREIGN OFFICE,
S.W.1.
4th September, 1935.
101
It
I am directed by Secretary Sir Samuel Hoare to refer
to your letter No. C.R.T. 978/35 of the 13th August regarding
the export of arms from France to China. His Majesty's
Ambassador in Paris was duly instructed to ascertain the
present policy of the French Government in this matter.
would appear from his despatches Nos. 1190 and 1214, copies of
which were forwarded to you under cover of Foreign Office
letters No. F 5416/60/10 of the 22nd August and F 5561/60/10 of
the 29th August that the French Government in fact no longer
require the production of a "huchao" issued by the Chinese
Central Government before granting a licence for the export of
arms to China.
2.
The Board of Trade will doubtless desire, as fore-
shadowed in your letter under reference, to reexamine the policy
of His Majesty's Government in the light of this new development.
It is, however, clear to Sir Samuel Hoare that, pending such
reexamination, no relaxation of the conditions upon which
licences are at present granted can properly be contemplated.
In particular he would not be prepared to approve the grant
of a licence to I.C.I. Limited for the export of 80,000
cartridges to Kwangsi the particular case cited in your
letter
unless they can produce a Chinese Central Government
"huchao" duly endorsed by the Chinese Ambassador in London.
I am, etc.
(Signed) C.w.orde.
The Secretary
to the Board of Trade.