3492
CYPHER TELEGRAM from the Secretary of State for the Colonies
to the Governor of Hong Kong.
(Sent 10 p.m., 3rd November, 1958.)
No.212.
RECŤ BUD Mat den echte man dut nira sigh mer sane mén part, vaca
My telegram No.204 of 19th October.
Question of
railway policy has been considered and decision reached is
that while it would be to our interest that railway should
be restored as soon as possible to through traffic
nevertheless if you are satisfied that any compliance with
possible Japanese demand for railway facilities for war
material would provoke paralysis of port and railway by
strike action such demand would have to be refused in the
defence interests of the Colony. Moreover even if declared
state of war existed requiring strict observation of rules
of neutrality His Majesty's Government would feel able on
grounds of international law to justify refusal of transit
facilities for munitions from belligerent country consigned
to its forces in China.
It is not doubted that refusal of such facilities
would not only meet with general public approval but would
also conform with the spirit of the League of Nations
resolutions.