18
crews and passengers and Russian guards, but would, I
think, have difficulty in complying with the requirements
as to grilles.
10. As to the suggestion that we should offer to
issue these certificates to ships in non-British ownership,
I am sure Your Excellency will agree that in present
political circumstances the proposal would be regarded
with disapproval and suspicion by Chinese and other
national authorities.
I have etc.,
(signed)
J. F. Brenan,
Consul-General.