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I have informed Japanese stating as reason that information is given so as to avoid Japanese forces being embarrassed and implying that full responsibility for safety of our merchant ships from Japanese action rests with Japanese, As regards aircraft attacks on shore and now on inland waterways, similar principle was followed and information given as for merchant ships and Japanese (corrupt group) clearly responsible, Since serious case of Ambassador, custom is growing up of giving full information of route, time of passage of non- combatants through military area and import of Hasegawa's reply quoted above re Asiatic Co's barge anes it evident that if this procedure continues unchecked, precedent will be created that responsibility lies with non-combatant unless due warning of passage is given.
5. It is established that a non-combatant in a military area takes risk from shells or action directed in the first place at military objects. But is deliberate attack by aircraft on what could be established with sufficient care in identifica- tion to be a non-military object involving non-combatant, to be placed in the same category?
6.
Sino Japanese hostilities are taking place in the early history of modern aircraft operations and I feel that an important principle is involved. Re uent information whether this attack on Asiatic Petroleum Coy's barge, unimportant in itself, should be allowed to pass er whether principle of safety from attack of peaceful traders and non-combatants should be upheld as responsibility of belligerents, and Admiral Hasegawa's statement "that Japanese Navy cannot guarantee safety" be
challenged.
1st Lord.
1216/21.
DE.
1st S.L.
2nd S.L.
3rd S.L.
4th S.L.
D.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S.(AIR).
A.C.N.S.
PARL.SEC.
CIVIL LORD.
SEC.
NAV.SEC. P.A.S.(S). 0.D.(3 D.N.Ì (6) M9 4.34.
D.of P.(3)
D.3.D.9.
N.I.D.6.
Hydrog.
Plans Trad)(2).
D.N.A.D.
D.D.of S.T.(Mr.Dorrell)(2).
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