2.0.5. 24. 19525/37
NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decode. Mr. Pelham (Hongkong)
7th September 1987.
D.
R.
(Wireless)
7.30 p.m.
7th September 1937.
7th September 1937.
No:-
(R).
231
Following from Commercial Secretary to Department of
Overseas Trade No. 11, repeated to Peking No. 5, Nanking
No. 4, Canton No. 6 and Governor of Hongkong.
The Mayor of Canton sent his bunsellor Colonel Li Fong
to see me this morning. He wishes to purchase from England
in an ordinary commercial manner total of about 1,000,000
gas masks to be distributed to civilian population.
2. He wishes first to arrange for a consignment of
50,000 and requests (a) Quotations (preferably e.i.f. Canton).
(b) Gas proof statement. (c) Duration of efficiency.
(d) date of delivery.
He desires earliest possible delivery
and can arrange for necessary Nanking War Office permits
to import. He is willing to pay any initial deposit required
and balance in cash on delivery, or favourably consider other
terms if desired. I presume if this business can be done
manufacturers could arrange for delivery through Alfred Holt
or similar organisation.
3. Please telegraph reply as early as possible.