SECRET
347
IN
COPY OF MESSAGE
Consul T.H.I. 1017/29
7 Anfor
From: Mr. Graham, Hong Kong.
Addressed:
Date: Time: 0445.
29.2.40
'R' CODE AND INTERDEPARTMENTAL CYPHER BY CABLE
Admiralty.
IMPORTANT
Following is a repetition of Chefoo telegram Feb. 23rd begins. Addressed to Shanghai Tel. No.8. February 23rd Tsingtao. My Tel No.6. Japanese C. in C. at Tsingtao's version agrees with ours, states that shot
was intended to be across the bows of HUNAN and admits
destroyers error in not first firing blank shot, though he claims HUNAN should have seen the flag signals and stopped earlier (Distance of nearly two miles and dead calm prevented flags from being seen). He expresses regret, has ordered Japanese Men of War inspecting Merchant vessels to observe proper procedure and is willing to tender apology to H.M. Consul General shall I inform Japanese Consul that we wish apology at Tsingtao or in view of satisfactory Japanese attitude may I tell (? Group omitted) incident is considered closed ? Please repeat to C. in C. S.0.I. I have repeated to Tsingtao My Tel No.6.
M. (5) (M. 04102/40).
M. 34
M. 37
ADDITIONAL CIRCULATION BY M.
D.C.N.S. P.A.S. (S) D. of P.
D.N.I.
D. of S.T. F.0.