COPY FOR REGISTRATION
301.61
CYPHER TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Dated 2nd December, 1938.
Received 8.45 a.m., 2nd December.
IMPORTANT
No,355.
Addressed to the secretary of State for the Colonies,
telegram No.355 of the 2nd December. Shanghai No.221. Tokyo
telegram No.114. Canton Saving.
I should be grateful for advice as to this Government's
proper attitude towards future applications by Hong Kong agents
of the Chinese Government for permission to export munitions to
South Kuangtung by lorry or coasting vessel. Although there are
still some small parties of Chinese troops many of them guerillas
in Canton and Jehchow-Bias Bay area, Japanese forces may be
regarded as being in de facto possession and could I feel
justifiably object to such permission being accorded.
Negotia-
tions for re-opening river would probably suffer in consequence.
Japanese troops are now at considerable distance from
the border but will certainly return if Colony continues to act
as source of munitions supply. This is very undesirable as
*
moreover it would entail
increasing likelihood of "incidente"
immediato recrudescence of refugee problem which now shows signs
of diminution.
In these circumstances I regretfully consider that correct
reply to applications is that it is gravely contrary to the
interests of the Colony to permit further export of munitions
except by deep sea vessels.
Copy.