Enclosure No.12.
S. 149.
Royal Naval Armament Depot,
Hong Kong.
14th December, 1937.
76
Commodore,
Hong Kong.
Japanese shell.
I beg to report that in accordance with your verbal instructions the two Japanese shell found at Castle Peak have been brought to the Armament Depot, and examined under precautions.
They are approximately 4.7 inch filled shell which have been fired, but have failed to detonate. In one case part of the fuze has been broken away and what is probably the needle plate is exposed: this shell can only be regarded as in a highly dangerous condition. The other shell is not in so bad a condition, but in both cases the safety pins have been withdrawn and are missing, arid after firing, the needle is probably loose and free to pierce the detonator with any shock.
To deal with shell in this condition or to attempt to empty or unfuzë them and particularly without details of design etc. must necessarily involve a considerable element of risk, and in the case of the first shell at least should not in my opinion be undertaken if in any way avoidable.
The two shell have accordingly been set aside under precautions pending your instructions as to their disposal. If they were Naval shell it would be proposed to dispose of them by dumping in deep water.
(SD) T.W.ARCHER.
Senior Armament Supply Officer
China Station.
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