CO129-563-1 Relations between His Majesty's government and Chinese government 12-6-1937 - 8-7-1937 — Page 17

NO DISTRIBUTION.

Decypher.

Sir H. Knatchbull-Hugesson. (Feking).

June 7th, 1937.

R.

D. (by wireless) June 7th, 1937.

10.0.p.m. June 7th, 1937.

No. 218.

-o0o-

Following from Nanking No. 205 of June 4th.

Very Secret.

1. Following for His Majesty's Ambassador from Military

Attaché:

Reference telegram No. 133 to the Foreign Office. Paragraph

2; exchange of military intelligence and staff officers.

Suggest this should read "between staff officers".

2. This has evidently been passed on to Chinese General Staff.

Head of intelligence section has asked me unofficially whether it

would be possible to exchange military intelligence.

He added

in strict confidence that Chinese military were considering

despatching specially selected officer to Singapore with the in-

tention of watching Japanese activities. He emphasised that this

action was not directed against us. He asked whether I could give

letters of introduction to selected officers and suggested exchange

of information at Singapore.

3. In my case I see no objection to a liaison with military

authorities at Nanking but I see difficulties in the way of Chinese

starting a private enquiry agency at Singapore with cur official

knowledge. Should the Home Government agree to the plan for ex-

change of military intelligence between staff officers in China

and Singapore that would be a different matter but up to the prosent

the Government have not replied to Chiang Kai-shek's proposal t

this effect. There is also possibility that suggestion has a

political motive and is another line of approach for an entente

aimed at the Japanese. Suggest that Foreign Office be informed of

above and asked for a ruling.

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