15
29.
Onde (2.0) 0/0
10
2.81.37
The position in this matter is set out
fully in the F.O. memorandum, and I do not
think we have much to add to it. The position,
appears to be whether we should aid the
Chinese Government in this matter at the risk of
Japan claiming belligerent rights,
ley
(a) we allow aeroplanes which could be
used for the purpose of hostilities to be
flown from the Colony.
(b)
by
allow aeroplanes to be flown
unarmed from the Colony.
Whereas in the case of (a) permission could
no longer be given if Japan claimed, and were allowed,
belligerent rights, (b) would not be affected
un)
by these since it is not apparently neutral
action. The question is whether the aid to
in the can I either (a) a (a
China/would be of such a nature as to cause the
Japanese Government to claim belligerent rights
as a result. This is a matter for the F.0., but
I venture to suggest that it is scarcely the
case with regard to (b).
The only point in the memo which I think
calls for comment is para.4, where it is stated
that the instructions in [17] appear to preclude
the aeroplanes being flown off even unarmed.
I am not at all sure that this is the case.
However, this could be discussed at the
meeting, to which I think we might agree.
? Reply agreeing that the matter might in
the first instance be referred to the Cabinet
Committee, and say that we should be ready to
join