CO129-563-17 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping. For extracted photographs see CN 3-12 27-9-1937 - 17-1-1938 — Page 146

MESSAGE.

83

159

SECRET.

FROM:- Commodore in Charge Hong Kong.

IN.

DATE:- 12/12/37

C

RECD: 1358.

Naval Cypher (D)

Following message is repeated to Admiralty for information.

ADDRESSED: C. in C. China, H.M.S. FALMOUTH. 15.

FROM:-

IMPORTANT.

Commodore in Charge Hong Kong •

My telegrams 147 and 148 regarding Chahsing

incident.

ર

There appears no doubt that/serious breach of international law has been made by Japanese Destroyer in firing on a Chinese Maritime Customs Cruiser (a) while cruising in British territorial waters (b) when aground in British leased territory and (C) by removing this ship from

British leased territory.

In view of fact that a Japanese Destroyer is

frequently in the vicinity of Ma Chau Island 022 degrees 30 minutes North 113 degrees 50 minutes East should a day- light patrol be established by destroyer between Shak Wan Bay in Nam Tau 022 degrees 29 minutes North 113 degrees

52 minutes East and north end of Lantao Island keeping

always within leased territorial waters of colony ?

Orders for Patrol woula be to ensure no hostile

act was committed within leased territorial waters of

colony but not to prohibit passage of Japanese warships

through them.

Force might have to be resorted to as a last

resource but normally course of action would be by

interrogation and boarding if possible.

I realize position of Commanding Officer of Patrol

might become difficult and should you order patrol to be

established..