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Dovernor of Hongkong (158 to Eɛbassy), indicating
that this was to be the basis of the re-opening of the
river end stating that sub-clauses 8(d) and 5(f) were
to remain unchanged. br. Kataudairs slco indicated that
the reopening of the river would take place on or before
March 10th, and arranged to uiscuss the matter with ar.
ittle this korning.
As the Japanese proposals appeared to fall far
short of what might reseɔnably be understood by the
re-opening of the river, i thought it decir,ble to forestell
fait accompli by a clear statement of what I regarded as
essential in this connexion. I nocoriingly addressed the
enclosed letter to Ly Japanese colleague: I passed a copy
of thie confiuentially to Hr. Little, who is, with ny
periasion, sending a copy of it to the Inspector-General
of Custorie.
Mr. Little's interview with Er. Røteuäsire took
place this morning and, as reported in my telegram FO.
45 of today's date, the proposals then put forward by the
Japanese were distinctly core liberal. The proposal to
place hampe a under Custons control was a particularly
marked advance, as the Japanese had previously expressly
excluded this (Please ses paragraph 8 of my telegram no. 214
of December 30th leat.
?
ko definite date has yet been fixed for putting
any of the re-opening measures into effect. Er. Katsudaira,
who is to laure at the end of this month on transfer
stat Nenking, emplussized however, that a short must be made
before his departure. The Commissioner of Customs pointed
out that he would require additional staff for hampon,
and asked for an indiastion when they would be needed.
Er. Pataudeirs said that, as shampon is under militery
control, there would be many details to arrang so that
it would be one or two months before the nuatose coulá
Junction/