Cony.
(F 3240/4/10).
Decypher.
From: JAPAN.
Sir R. Craigie, (Tokyo).
March 24th, 1938.
D.
1.20.a.m.
March 24th, 1938.
R. 9.30.a.m.
March 24th, 1938.
No. 364.
5.6
My telegram No. 351.
This matter was first raised on 18th March with Naval
Attaché by Aide-de-Camp to the Minister of Marine who quoted
specific case of British ship "Kiangsu" which approached
portion of Japanese fleet at anchor near Ladsane Island on
16th March. Aide-de-Camp emphasised that he was not
implying that ship had no right to be where she was but
feared that if merchant ships passed close to Japanese
warships particularly at night or in misty weather, incident
such as both countries would wish to avoid might occur
(Aide-de-Camp stated when at anchor in these regions at
night Japanese fleet showed no lights but patrol was
maintained outside the fleet).
In further discussion today Aide-de-Camp confirmed that
route suggested in Minister for Foreign Affairs' identic note
10 would keep ships clear of Fleet anchorages.
I consider this approach and note contained in my
telegram under reference are promoted by genuine desire to
avoid disagreeable incidents and I hope if possible Japanese
request may be met.
Addressed to Foreign Office No. 364; repeated to Hongkong
(Hongkong please repeat to Commander-in-Chief as telegram
No. 73 and saving to Shanghai.