113
K.B.
MESSAGE.
SECRET.
FROM: C. in C. China.
IN.
DATE: 12/10/37.
Interdepartmental Cypher.
RECD: 1605.
ADDRESSED: - Admiralty Commodore Hong Kong, Tokyo.
318.
My telegram 32 to Tokyo. Written report
has now been received from S.S. HOIEZ. S.S. HOIEZ
was boarded by a lieutenant and guard from Japanese
officer carried book of personal
Destroyer.
instructions printed in English and Japanese and went
through cargo list detailing each item then went
through log book entries relative to departure from
Hong Kong and did not ask for ship's papers. Informed
captain "Many Chinese ships were sailing under British
flag". When met Destroyer was engaged in setting fire
to and bombing two large three-masted sailing junks
which burned furiously. Lieutenant was courteous
and apologised for any delay which I consider further
confirms that Japanese Navy have not received correct
instructions. Am forwarding copy of report pointing
out irregularity in regard to examination of cargo
list to C. in C. 3rd Fleet and copies to Tokyo and
Admiralty.
1108/12.
1st Lord.
1st S.L.
2nd S.L.
PARL.SEC. CIVIL LORD.
NAVAL SEC.
SEC.
3rd S.L.
4th S.L.
D.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S.
P.A.S.(S).
O.D.(3).
M. (9).
M.34.
D.of P.(3)
•
Plans (Trade)(2).
D.S.D.9.
N.I.D.8.
HYDROG.
A.C.N.S.(AIR). D.N.I.(6). D.D.of S.T.
(Mr.Dorrell)(2).