K. S.
SECRET.
From C. in C. China.
MESSAGE
47
37
IN
Date 14.6.39,
Red. 1821.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL CYPHER
Correction received 1420/4
Addressed S. N. 0. Tonusin repeated Admiralty, H. M.
Ambascnior Shanghai 575, H.M. Ambassador Tokyo 470, Consul General Tientsin, General Officer Commanding.
IMPORTANT.
502. Consul General Tientsin telegram 1305 14th June. Unfortunate experience has proved that a water way once closed by Japanese or other action and on which British Shipping has ceased to operate is extremely difficult
to reopen.
I therefore suggest for Consul General Tientsin's consideration that every encouragement should be given to shipping to continue to operate on Haiho river in spite of restrictions detailed in Consul General Tientsin telegram 1215 June 14th rather than that we should impose on ourselves a prohibition (even in form of advice) which would appear precisely what Japanese would most wish and which may prove an embarrassing precedent. I concur however with last sentence of Consul General Tientsin telegram under reference concerning non repetition non provision for armed guards
under present circumstances.
CIVIL LORD.
1st Lord.
PARL. SEC.
1st S. L.
2nd S. L. 3rd S. L. 4th S. L.
5th S. L.
D.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S.
SEC.
NAVAL SEC. P.A.S. (S). J.D. (3).
(6).
D. N. I. M. 36 (14). D. of P. (3).
2214/14.
D. S.D. 9. 0.1.C. (4).
D. T.D. (2).
D. L. D.D.
Foreign Office) To be
War Office
Air Ministry
Co. Bof T.
sent by
) M. Branch.