[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
140
Decypher.
FROM CHINA.
Mr. Elunt (Canton).
2nd October, 1937.
D.
(By W/T) 3rd October, 1937.
R.
7.30 p.m.
3rd October, 1937.
No.26.
XXXXXXXX XXX
Addressed to Peking No.87 Cctober 2nd.
My telegram No.85,
I put forward various propositions both yesterday and today to Chinese military authorities with regard to (a) getting out the British ships shut in at Chinkieng (b) future shipping (c) gunboats leaving the river.
2. It was originally proposed that British ships should
This attempt to find a channel out today at their own risk. proposal was refused last night. At the same time I was in- formed that every endeavour would be made to find some satis- factory solution of all three questions within the next three
or four days.
3. Today on the strongest representations of Hongkong shipping companies conveyed early to me by telephone from the Governor of Hongkong I urged on military authorities that ships be permitted to make a rush to get out tomorrow at high spring tide which lasts for the next three or four days. This request has been refused but I have been assured that steps [grp undec] as stated to find satisfactory solution tomorrow so that passage through physical obstructions and "sea mine extent" may be possible on October 4th or October 5th. I have been promised definite reply tomorrow.
4. The Governor of Hongkong please inform shipping
companies.
Repeated to Nanking o.78, C. in C. No.28. Governor Hongkong o.35, Commodore Hongkong io.30, Foreign Office No.26. Copy to Senior Haval Officer est River.
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