F.10580/870/23.
Sir,
S.W.1.
3rd October, 1939.
52
With reference to Admiralty letter No.M.010623/39
of the 29th September, I am directed by Viscount Halifax
to enclose a copy of a telegram instructing Sir Robert
Craigie to protest to the Japanese Government, on the
lines suggested by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,
against the searching of British merchant vessels by the
Japanese Customs Authorities.
2.
Lord Halifax notes from the third paragraph of
your letter that Their Lordships are once more giving
consideration to the question of subjecting Japanese
shipping to some form of counter-pressure. As to the
expediency of doing this at the present time Lord Halifax
prefers to suspend judgment until he is informed of the
views of the other interested departments.
The Secretary,
of the Admiralty.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sd.) R. G. HOWE,