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51
CYPHER TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the
Secretary of State for the Colonies,
Dated 12th November, 1937.
Received 10.36 a.m.s 12th November,
53548|1|37.
MOST TRIED LATE.
No.276.
Addressed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies
No.275 of 12th November repeated to Nanking No.55. Tokio 41
Commander in Chief No.22 Shanghai No.135 Mr. Howe copy to General Officer Commanding, Commodore officer Commanding
Royal Air Force. Summers of the Gloster Company arrived
yesterday and six mechanics due 21st instant, Nine crated
aeroplanes also arrived and eleven reported to be due shortly: their description in your despatch of the 18th August confi- dential makes clear that though unarmed they cannot be regarded otherwise than as military machines falling within
category of vessels of war. Summers has no written instruc--
tions but states that the Foreign Office assured him that
assembly in Hong Kong would be allowed. I cannot reconcile 14. this with the terms of your telegram No.188 secret.
In the circumstances I propose to provide no facilities for assembly and to prohibit: the use of the
aerodrome for that purpose pending further instructions from
you. Size of crates permits of transit by rail to Canton
and I shall not of course take any action to prevent such
7 Smith's despatch, First portion of (corrupt group) s telegram No.169
19/7230/1/37
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with which I agree refers. As this is a matter of Imperial
policy I should be glad of definite instructions as an early
date.