(F 6687/31/10)
CONFIDENTIAL.
14 93
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
24th September, 1937.
8
Dear Gent,
I was just about to write to you on the subject of
the scheme for an aeroplane assembly depôt at Hong Kong
when your official letter No. 53846 of the 22nd September
was received. Although there seems now to be no question
but that this particular project will come to nothing,
it may be useful if I give you a statement of our present
views on the general position.
While it is true that a state of war does not as
yet exist, it would seem wise for Hong Kong, in view of
the special and rather delicate position which the Colony
occupies, to act in this matter as if a state of war did
exist. If we are not careful over such questions,
may force the Japanese into declaring a state of war and
claiming belligerent rights, which, of course, we do not
we
want.
G. E. J. Gent, Esq., D. S. O., 0. B. E.
The /