NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decode.
Sir R. Craigie. (Tokyo).
October 16th, 1937.
D.
1.40. p.m. October 16th, 1937.
R.
9.30.a.m. October 16th, 1937.
No. 546.
(R).
99
Your telegram No. 57 to Hanking and your telegram No. 38
to Senior Naval Officer, Shanghai.
Naval Attaché so informed Ministry of Marine on Cctober 7th
and has received letter dated October 12th acknowledging inforne--
tion but suggesting postponement of exercises if possible since
Japanese and Chinese forces are engaged in hostilities in that
area. If exercises are not postponed letter requests that they
should end as soon as possible. Japanese naval forces in that
region will be notified to exercise care to avoid complications
between British and Japanese forces but since hostilities with
Chinese, and especially aircraft, occur from time to time British
fleet is requested also to take special care to avoid misunder-
standings.
Naval Attaché will inform Ministry that exercises there are
part of normal routine throughout the winter months and that you
will doubtless go into the matter fully with Japanese Commander-in-
Chief.
Addressed to Commander-in-Chief No. 137; repeated to Foreign
Office No. 546.