53838/48/39.
DRAFT ON 53838/48/39
SECRET.
30
63
12 september,1939.
From Straits.
17.8.39
To do. 2.9.39.
Dear Donald,
I enclose (1) a copy of letters which the
Secretary of State has exchanged with Sir Shenton Thomas,
Governor of the straits Settlements, (2) a copy of
From HongKong correspondence which I have had with Sir Geoffry Northcote, 14.8.39
12.9.39.
Governor of Hong Yong.
The text of both Governors'
letters may be said to be taken from the effect on local
Chinese opinion o: the announcement of the decision to
hand over the four Tientsin men to the public authorities
for trial.
I don't know whether you can suggest any
particular means of helping the Governors in the sort of
difficulty which they have in mind. Possibly you may
consider that something could usefully be said to
Sir A. Clark-Kerr t encourage him to bear constantly
in mind the value to the Governors of the Straits
Settlements and Hong Fong of any early advice or
information which, with their experience, the Embassy
could give them for their guidance in any matter of
N.B. RONALD, ESQ., C.M.G.,C.V.O.
Chinese