? minesweeper
by the submarine in self defence.
Our claim for satisfaction must rest on the
fact that British lives were lost and other British
subjects injured. The Japanese recognise this to
the extent of saying that if there were British
subjects killed and if they did not take direct part
in challenging the attack, the Japanese Government
will not be slow to express regret and are prepared
to consider indemnification. In the circumstances,
therefore, however unpalatable it may be, I think
Sir R. Craigie's suggested reply (see enc. 2 in 9)
is the only practicable course. There seems to be
little advantage in referring to Hong Kong before we
answer the F.0., and the Governor, who had a copy
of Sir R. Craigie's telegram a fortnight ago, has not
seen fit to communicate to the S. of S. any differing
views.
? Reply as at Q, and add that in the circumstances
there would appear to the S. of S. to be no advantage
in pressing the Japanese Government further at this
stage, and that he therefore is in agreement with the
line of the reply which Sir R. Craigie suggests,
and say that a copy of No.11 and of this reply will
be sent to the Governor of Hong Kong for his
information.
a do so scent LF
sschant
16.5.38.
is
Having regard to the findings the
Commission's Report, I must say that I find it
hard to swallow the Japanese reply (see enclosure 1
to No.9).
I