K.B.
MESSAGE.
IN.
SECRET.
FROM:- C. in C. China.
88
154
DATE:- 12/12/37.
RECD:- 1420.
Naval Cypher (D).
ADDRESSED: Commodore Hong Kong, repeated Admiralty.
512.
Your 1329 12th December. I appreciate the
gravity of this incident and other incidents of equal
gravity are happening elsewhere simultaneously today
Sunday.
2. I do not propose to take any steps at this
moment which may have effect of further prejudicing our
relations with Japan.
3.
As suggested in my 0929 12th December, I
consider it a mistake to allow vessels flying the
Chinese national maritime custom flag to trade on
security of British territorial waters in pursuing their
duties and I suggest this practice be (?stopped) as
best compromise under the circumstances.
2009/12.
NOTE: Advance copies sent to Res. Clerk and Duty Cdr.
1st Lord.
1st S.L.
2nd S.L.
3rd s.i.
4th S.L. D.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S. (AIR). A.C.N.S.
PARL. SEC. CIVIL LORD. SEC.
NAVAL SEC. P.A.S.(S).
O.D.(3). D.N.I.(6). M.(10).
M. 35.
M. 34.
D. of P.(3).
D.S.D.9.
N.I.D.8.
HYDROG.
Plans (Trade) (2)
Foreign Office) to be
War Office
sent
Air Ministry' )by M.Br.