CO129-563-14 Sino-Japanese War- military and naval movements 27-11-1937 - 6-1-1938 — Page 8

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5. On the other hand there is the question of British

prestige generally to consider.

moving,

Italians show no signs of

Americans propose to withdraw additional regiment of

marines as early as practicable for reasons set out in para.4

above but earliest they can arrange at present is at the end

of January.

6=

I recommend that return of o reinforcing Indian battal-

ion from Hong Kong sa Singapore to India be deferred until

H.M.Government is satisfied that situation in the Far East

vis a vis Japan will not deteriorate as a result of Sino

Japanese conflict. The availability of Lancashire Fusiliers

at Tientsin for garrison at Hong Kong is always very problem-

atical.

I have not had advantage of consultation with G.0.C.Hong

Kong and Singapore and I know they will add their views as they

desire.

1609/27.

1st Lord.

1st S.I.

2nd S. L.

3rd S.I.

4th S.I

H.

P.C.N.S.

A.C.N.G. (AIR).

A.C.N.S.

FARL. SEC,

CIVIL LORD,

SEC.

NAVAL SHO.

P.A.S. (C). O.D. (3). D.N.I.(3) M.(S

(9) M. 55.

M. 54.

D2 or P.(3).

D.S.D.3.

N.1.D,8.

HYDROG,

Plans (Trade) (2)

Foreign office

Wer office Air Minis uny R.C.(3).

to be sent

by M. Er.