1
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned
to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
AMENDED COPY.
53568/57
93
From JAPAN.
Decode Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo).
20th September, 1937.
D.
8.00 a.m.
20th September, 1937.
R.
3.00 p.m.
20th September, 1937.
No. 415. (R)
Your telegram No. 297 and subsequent telegrams regarding
China coast blockade.
Japanese reply now received is to following effect:
As regards condition (a) no objection. It is requested
that results of investigation be communicated to Japanese Navy
immediately. Should commanding officer of British man-of-war
request presence of officer from Japanese man-of-war as witness,
consent will readily be given. It is hoped that precautions
will be taken to prevent misuse by Chinese vessels of British
flags in order to avoid visit of inspection by Japanese.
*
As regards condition (b) when Japanese warships visit
vessels flying British flag and it is established that they are
British vessels, there is no objection to informing British
naval authorities by quickest available means.
It is hoped that we shall appreciate that when Japanese warships carry out a visit a number of inspectors will be sent and necessary ships' documents will be examined in order that the object of confirmation of nationality may be achieved as quickly
as possible. Enis.
As regards procedure for reporting in accordance with condition (b) se my telegrams Nos. 393 and 399.
Addressed to Foreign Of ice telegram No. 415, repeated to
Nanking and Commander-in-Chief.