NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decypher.
Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo),
22nd October, 1967.
D.
5.25 3.m.
2d Cctober, 1537.
R.
11.15 a.mn. 22nd October, 1927.
No. 572.
49
Your telegram lo. 403, first paragraph.
I am enquiring from Ministry of forei ̧n Affairs unofficially
as to the meaning of the expression "illegitims te unloading".
I have no reason to believe however that the Japanese are
allo ing normal cargo to pass in Chinese ships. I understand
that they have closed the whole of the coast to Chinese ships.
Moreover the Japenise have never in ormed us ofiicilly th. t
they will not interfere with arms etc., on board British
vessels. In fact however they are not doing so nd informed
American kaval Attaché unofficially to this effect (Tolyo
telegram ho. 321).
I hesitate to make further or official enquiry on the
Japanese Government in case it may raise once more the whole
question of passage of munitions in neutral ships. I presume
also that it is not our intention to claim that British flag
covers cargo unloded from British ships and conveyed in Chinese
Junks outside British territorial waters and I am anxious not
to use any language which might convey a wrong impression.
I hope therefore that you will not consider further action
by me is necessary pending the receipt of reply to enquiry
mentioned in paragraph one of the above.