(3) It would seem that any British
vessels going to Canton (as they have the
right to do) would have to pass through the
area of naval operations in any case, and,
if they continue to do so, there does not
seen to be much reason for warning off those
going to Hong Kong.
The issue of the suggested advice could only
be justified if British naval authorities on the
spot consider that the number and disposition
of Japanese naval vessels are such that British
vessels should, in their own interests, avoid
passing through the area where they are operating.
The issue of such advice would thus involve
acceptance of Japanese right to dietate routes
to British shipping, but would be justified on
purely navigational grounds.
Any such advice
issued on strictly navigational grounds would
/clearly
61