(30/725(1)/39).
British Embassy,
Tokyo.
2nd May, 1939.
87
ENI
My dear Vice-Minister,
On April 21st I wrote to ask for your help to obtain
the release of the British merchant ships which are detained
at Canton.
The Japanese local authorities at Canton informed
His Majesty's Consul-General that the ships could not sail
with their cargoes in view of the instructions received from
Tokyo that Canton must be cut off from all trade with the
outside world. The cargoes carried by these ships, however,
represent obligations entered into prior to the capture of
Canton, and I venture again to enquire whether Your Excellency
could not cause instructions to be issued for the release of
these vessels and their cargoes. Perhaps I might receive a
reply within the next few days, as these vessels have now been
detained for six months.
His Excellency
Believe me, etc.,
(Signed) R. L. CRAIGIE.
Mr. Renzo Sawada,
His Imperial Japanese Majesty's
Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.