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119
(3). When I queried Admiral Nomura's apparently complete
knowledge of history of the vessel, its cargo etc. and pointed
out that this if accurate must have been obtained by them, i.e.
by examination of cargo and other documents outside scope of
agreement existing concerning verification of flag, he replied
he was not certain how information was obtained, but probably
verbally from crew and shore sources.
(4). I pointed out that chartering of vessel in no way affe
fact that LALITA is British ship flying British flag and
therefore her seizure was entirely illegal. Admiral stated
he differed regarding this and said that by virtue of charter
vessel could be used by Chinese for any purpose they wished.
I said your views concerning this question were the same as I
had stated, to which he replied he would pass your views on
to the proper quarter.
(5). Admiral Nomura pointed to this case as one of various
ways in which Chinese were trying to evade Japanese Naval Forces. (6) Having stated whole occurrence was grossly improper
and illegal, I demanded immediate release of vessel, to which
Admiral replied all he could do at present was to signal for
further irmediate report of flagship which he promised to do.
1st Lord.
1st S. L.
2nd S. L.
3rd S.L.
4th S. L.
5th S.L.
D.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S.
PARL.SEC.
CIVIL LORD.
SEC.
NAV.SEC.
P.A.S.(S). O.D.(3) D.N.İ. (6)
M.36(12)
1900/15.
Foreign Office
War Office
D. of P. (3)
D.S.D.9.
0.1.C.(3)
D.D.of S.T.(Mr.Dorrell)(2)
Trade Division.(2)
Air Ministry
CO
イ
To be sent
by M.Branch.