SECRET
MESSAGE
IN
FROM:- C. in C. China.
DATE: 5.10.37
RECD:- 2031.
119
Interdepartmental Cypher.
CORRECTION RED. 1642/7.
ADDRESSED: Embassy Nanking 59, repeated Commodore Hong Kong
295.
T
557 and for Governor, Admiralty, Consul General
Canton, Peking 651, S..0. West River.
Reference Consul General Canton number 89 to
Peking Japanese have apparently no military reason for sending
warships through Canton barrage and they show no intention of
so doing. I could ask C. in C. Japanese Third Fleet for required guarantee which may be forthcoming but feel this is
little use in view of Chinese obstinacy and procrastination.
Chinese action in closing navigation without adequate warning is so childish and unfriendly that I suggest you
may consider something stronger than protest is called for.
It is possible Governor of Hong Kong might consider bringing pressure to bear by refusing certain facilities to
Chinese. A few hours opening of barrage should be sufficient
to pass all British shipping.
1st Lord.
1st S.L.
2nd S.L.
34d S.L.
22300/5.
R.T.
4th S.L.
D.C.N.S.
T
A.C.N.S. (Air).
A..N.S.
PARL. SEC.
CIVIL LORD).
SEC.
NAVAL SEC
P.A.S. (S)
O.D. (3
D.N.I (6)
M. (9).
M. 34.
D. of P. (3)
D.S.D.9.
N.I.D. 8.
Plans (Trade) (2)
HYDRUG.
D.D. of S.T. (Mr. Dorrell) (2)