Mr. Rogers 17.12.37
Mr. Gent
Mr. Duncan 17.12.37
Mr.
Cowell 18
xSir H. Moore at once 18/12
713
715
53874/57
CYPHER TELEGRAM from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to
the Governor of Hong dong.
Sent 4.0 p.m.
18th December, 1937.
(1)
150,
مين
IMPORTANT.
Ilo.269
Confidential.
Your telegram No.307.
I am advised that while there
is no technical objection under international law to the
establishment of such an office, it nevertheless appears
advisable that no ground should be afforded to the J-panese
Government for allegations that special facilities are being
given by the Colonial Governmont to enable organs of the Chinese
Government to carry out functions directly or indirectly
concerned with the prosecution of hostilities.
liaving regard to
position of great importance hold by tional Economic Council in
Government of China there can be little doubt that activities in
Hong Kong would not be limited to ostensible function mentioned
in your telegram.
You should accordingly point out to Mr. Soong that
embarrassment might be caused to the Colonial Government by the
presence of such a branch office in Hong Kong, having regard to
the fact that its activities might be regarded by the Japanese
Government as auxiliary to the prosecution of hostilities, and
that it is undesirable to afford the latter any additional
pretext for the declaration of war and the imposition of a
blockade, which must prevent China from obtaining the larger
part even of those sup lies which are now reaching her through
Hong rong. You should suggest that Er. Soong should accordingly
cxamine whether the functions which the proposed branch office
would fulfil could not be as satisfactorily performed by some
unofficial body or Tim of agents.
Copy to F.0., W.O.,
Admiralty, A. M. Conf. Lff.