[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned
to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
46
Slikking
39
Decode.
D.
R.10. a.m.
No. 36 Saving. (R)
From: JAPAN.
Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo)
13th June, 1939.
13th June, 1939.
26th June, 1939.
XXXXX
44
Your telegram 10. 249.
In reply to Norwegian representations Japanese Government
stated on June 1st that in the present circumstances in China
the Japanese Government had taken steps to close coast, with
the exception of certain regions, to Chinese vessels and
"as regards those vessels which are sailing under a third
"Power flag but are suspected of being solely used for the
"benefit of the Chiang Kai-shek Government and for the
"purpose detrimental to the Japanese Government steps have
"to be taken in order to ascertain their true nationality".
Japanese note then specifies various suspicions
entertained by the Japanese Authorities regarding Norwegian
ships and adding finally that "in cases where in future, according
"to circumstances, it is deemed necessary to ascertain the
"nationality of vessels sailing under the Norwegian flag,
"Japanese Navy will take such steps as it may deem necessary".
Addressed to the Foreign Office o. 30 saving of June 13th,
repeated to Shanghai No. 83 Saving and Commander-in-Chief
No. 5 Saving.