This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned
to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
71
END
From JAPAN
Decode.
Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo)
March 21, 1938.
D.
8.55 p.m.
March 21, 1938.
R.
2.50 p.m.
March 21, 1938.
No. 351 (R)
@@@@@@@@@@
I have received from Minister for Foreign Affairs identic
note No. 10 March 20 reading as follows:-
Imperial Navy has recently taken steps to stiffen the blockade in the area mouth of Canton river and according to information received vessels entering and leaving Hongkong along China coast from the direction of Kuangchow-wan frequently penetrate the area of operations of Imperial Navy on a course which renders them liable to be confused with the enemy shipping. Ir vessels crossing area to the south of the mouth of Canton river would as far as possible take route close to gap of Rock Lighthouse, this course would avoid the danger of unforeseen mistakes arising between these vessels and warships of Imperial Navy operating in this area and I have the honour to request that Your Excellency will be so good as to communicate in this sense with British shipping concerned. ends.
Addressed to Foreign Office No. 351 March 21 repeated to Hongkong (and for Commander in Chief as telegram No. 68) and
Sir A. Clark Kerr.