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Japan is also bound by the normal rules of international
law which forbid deliberate attacks on merchant ships.
(c) an indirect British interest in these ships, in
that they are based on Hong Kong and are important
providers of foodstuffs.
3.
If on further reflection in the light of the
above considerations Mr. Secretary MacDonald inclines to
the view that further representations should be made to
the Japanese Government, Lord Halifax for his part will be
perfectly prepared to address instructions accordingly to
His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo.
4.
Copies of this letter are being sent to the
Admiralty and Board of Trade.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Rekows