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.]
135
From JAPAN.
Decode.
Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo).
5th October, 1937.
D.
5.38 p.m.
5th October, 1957.
9.50 a.m.
5th October, 1937.
47
Io. 491. (R).
Your telegram To. 340.
Following is substance of reply from the Minister
of Foreign Affairs.
Japanese Goverment will not deny validity of transfers
even those subsequent to August 25th where they have been
affected in accordance with British law. They consider
British view is correct in above respect and that only
British authorities can determine validity of transfer under
British law.
Since however there may be Jhinese vessels effecting a
fictitious transfer subsequent to that date it may be
necessary to inspect and detain such vessels to enquire into
their real nationality.
To avoid complications Japanese Government would be glad if they could be supplied with a list of vessels transferred
from Chinese to British Registry subsequent to August 15th
and schedule of sailings of British ships.
ddressed to "oreign Office No. 491 repeated to Tanking
and Commander-in-Chief.