forbidden zone would, he explained be detained regardless of whether or not they were carrying munitions(3)
Since,
however, this was not a war-time blockade foreign vessels
could not be seized, or compelled to change their course,
even if they were carrying arms to China, but they were liable
to be boarded by Japanese naval officers for the purpose of
verifying their nationality of case of doubt. "However,"
he added, "we can take such effective measures as exercising
the privilege of pre-emption towards foreign bottoms found to
be carrying cargo which in war-time would constitute contra-
band."
29. Further light was thrown on this statement by a
communication made by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
in Tokyo to the counsellor of the French Embassy on the
31st August (and issued to the press in Shanghai on the 1st
September) to the following effect:-
"Although the measures which had been announced by
Admiral Yoshisawa on the 25th August did not apply to
arms and ammunition carried by vessels of third Powers,
Chinese ships had been flying foreign flags, and so the
Japanese navy were forced to inspect suspects in order
to identify their nationality. To avoid misunderstandings
the Japanese would find it convenient to have advance
notice of ships of third Powers entering the prescribed
area, viz., their names, captains and 'matters concerning
capital invested in them. ' The measures were designed to
prompt China's reconsideration and bring about a speedy
settlement.
(3) Note by Foreign Office - The Ministry of Marine
nevertheless informed the United States naval attaché in Tokyo
on the 27th August, inter alia, that only troops and
armament stores, but not normal cargoes, would be removed from
Chinese ships and that Chinese-registered ships would not be confiscated (Tokyo telegram No.321 of the 27th August last).
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