NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decypher.
Sir H. Knatchbull-Hugesson. (Feking).
June 7th, 1937.
R.
D. (by wireless) June 7th, 1937.
10.0.p.m. June 7th, 1937.
No. 218.
-o0o-
Following from Nanking No. 205 of June 4th.
Very Secret.
1. Following for His Majesty's Ambassador from Military
Attaché:
Reference telegram No. 133 to the Foreign Office. Paragraph
2; exchange of military intelligence and staff officers.
Suggest this should read "between staff officers".
2. This has evidently been passed on to Chinese General Staff.
Head of intelligence section has asked me unofficially whether it
would be possible to exchange military intelligence.
He added
in strict confidence that Chinese military were considering
despatching specially selected officer to Singapore with the in-
tention of watching Japanese activities. He emphasised that this
action was not directed against us. He asked whether I could give
letters of introduction to selected officers and suggested exchange
of information at Singapore.
3. In my case I see no objection to a liaison with military
authorities at Nanking but I see difficulties in the way of Chinese
starting a private enquiry agency at Singapore with cur official
knowledge. Should the Home Government agree to the plan for ex-
change of military intelligence between staff officers in China
and Singapore that would be a different matter but up to the prosent
the Government have not replied to Chiang Kai-shek's proposal t
this effect. There is also possibility that suggestion has a
political motive and is another line of approach for an entente
aimed at the Japanese. Suggest that Foreign Office be informed of
above and asked for a ruling.
17