SECRET.
MESSAGE.
Movemento
of Keropo
IN.
27.11.37.
4:
From
C. in C. China.
in H.M.S. FALMOUTH.
DATE
...
RFCD
..
1825.
FOREIGN OFFICE CYPHER
犟
K'
Addressed G.0.C.B.T.China, Governor Hong Kong, Governor
Singapore, Commodore, Hong Kong, Admiralty,
Diplomatic Mission Nanking 132, Commodore Malaya,
British Ambassador Tokyo 96, G.0.C.Singapore.
463.
The question of withdrawal of two British re-inforcing battalions in Shanghai has been under consideration with Major
1.
General and Consul General and for the present, following is
proposed.
2. In the event of the situation vis a vis Japan deterior- ating H..Ships SUFFOLK and DORSETSHIRE will convey the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the royals from Shanghai to Hong Kong as exigencies of circumstances demand. Position of Durhams would
then be considered.
Otherwise Royal Welch Fusiliers to proceed from Shanghai
to Hong Kong in H.M.S. DORSETSHIRE early January and Loyals at end of January as already arranged, the necessity for relier for latter being then considered.
4.
Should Japanese ride rough shod over us in regard to policing outside settlement operations and insist on occupying Japanese mills referred to in my telegram 2359/23 to Admiralty, both of which steps we consider to be unnecessary and inexped- ient, the position of British troops may become false and undignified and it may be desirable to withdraw the reinforc- ing battalions earlier in spite of other considerations. this case Royal "elch Fusiliers could be sent to Hong Kong in H.M.S, SUFFOLK in the middle of December and Loyals in January in H..S. DORSETSHIRE.
5..
In