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clearly be subject to frequent review, so that
if the situation had altered a further notice
to British shipping could be issued.
(4)
B. Marking.
(1) Issue of recommendation (we have no
power to do more) tends to weaken need for
identification of vessels by Japanese and
may therefore lead to serious mistakes,
particularly as it is perfectly easy for a
Chinese ship to copy British markings.
(2) I concur in objections put forward
by Governor of Hong Kong in his telegram
to Colonial Office No. 74 (of 23rd March)
repeated to you as No. 34.