CYPHER TELEGRAI from the Governor of Hong Kong to the
Secretary of Stato for the Colonies,
Dated 4th November, 1937,
Received 4,6 p.m. 4th November.
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I FORTANT.
No.268
Secret.
Addressod to Secretary of State for the Colonios No.268
4th November repeated to Hanking Telegram No.52 copios to
General Officer Commanding Canton Commodore,
Consul General Canton has informed me this morning
that Canton Military Authorities have expressed the intention
? 'londay next to close Canton Rivor to all traffic drawing over
7 feet. otive is the fear that if access is permitted to
vessels of greator draught Japanese war vessels may come up and
bombará Canton. Consul General and local naval exports consider
unis most improbable.
Proposed action will seriously affect Hong Kong
trade and would increase commercial embarrassment which is
already serious owing to overcrowded warehousen.
Consul General
has consulted this Government as to means of bringressure to
bear on the military authorities to permit passage of vessels
drawing up to at least 11 feet.
Representation that
extentions of Hong Kong Canton Road to Chinese border would not
be undertaken in the event of unreasonable action prejudicial to
shipping being taken by Chinose military authorities would
presumably have considerable effect: but of course no such
pressure can be employed unless and until you approve such
9. extension (see my telegram Secret No.267). I shall be grateful
for earliest possible intimation of your viowe on proposala
(One) road extension (2) method of utilising (1) for purpose of
Officer Administering the Government Secret
07/53089/4/37
pressure .
telegram No.217 is relevant.