COPY.
SECRET.
MESSAGE.
53838/17 Chiping
attacho
Ι Ν
32
FROM: Naval Liaison Officer, Shanghai. Date: 2/7/39.
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CYPHER.
Recd. 2310.
Addressed: C. in C. China. Repeated: Admiralty, Cdre. Hong
Kong, H.M. Ambassador, Tokyo, Governor Hong Kong, H.M.Ambassador, Shanghai.
اراک
Your 1357 June 17th (not to H.M.Ambassador Shanghai).
At recent meeting with Vice-Admiral Nomura regarding reported
seizure of S.S.Dholera I asked him:-
2.
(i) if seizure was indeed a fact,
(ii) if so, the reason for illegal seizure,
(iii) why British Authorities have not immediately
been informed officially of occurrence, and
(iv) the whereabouts and state of crew.
His replies were as follows: to (i) above. Yes.
To (ii) above (a) vessel was smuggling Kerosene. (b) Navigating
Pearl River delta without navigation permit from Japanese
authorities. (c) Owner of cargo was Chinese. (d) No customs
Office located at her destination which was Man King Sha in
Pearl River. Approximate position 220 37' North 113° 30' East.
(e) No documents of any kind entitling entry to destination.
(f) No evidence that ship had paid duty to customs authorities.
To (iii) above. He stated that full particulars of the method
in such incidents was for Japanese Tokyo Naval Officer to inform
British Naval Attaché Tokyo, who would inform necessary British
Authorities. I stated this was the first time I had heard of
Admiral Nomura's Chief of the Staff said he had
this method.
informed me which I denied. Admiral stated that he would
enquire whether Tokyo informed Naval Attaché, Tokyo of the
seizure.