5th October'.
Tokyo to Foreign Office No.491.
339
Japanese Government will not deny validity of transfers of ships from Chinese to British registry even cubsequent to August 25th
here they are in accordance with British law. They agree that only British authoritios can determine validity of transfer under British law. Since however there may be Chinese 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 complication Japanese Government would be glad
to be supplied with list of vessels transferred from Chinese to British registry subsequent to August 25th and schedule of sailings of British ships.
5th October. Tokyo to Foreign Office No.492. Reference
No.491.
His Majesty's Ambassador thinks it would be in interest
of
of legitimate British shipping to supply, even if only
unofficially, list of vessols transferred. Also British
shipping might perhaps be advised to inform Japandse Consular
authorities at Shanghai or elsewhere of names of ships
entering blockade area. If this is approved, His Majestys
Ambassador will try and arrange accordingly with Japanese
Government. Ends.