CO129-563-18 Sino-Japanese War- stopping of British shipping by Japanese 11-9-1937 - 29-12-1937 — Page 158

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

бору.

63565137

MESSAGE.

5-3838/61

159

From

GE

Commodore, Hong Kong.

IN.

DATE

...

23.9.37.

RECD

1120.

FOREIGN OFFICE 'R' CODE.

Addressed C. in C. China in FALMOUTH 698 repeated Admiralty 30,

British Ambassador, Tokyo.

30. My 2116 September 21st. St. Monance was carrying

Hong Kong Government 's lighthouse reliefs due to Government

tug being wrecked in typhoon.

Cruiser hoisted international signal K to "stop

instantly" followed three or four minutes later by signal

"I will be visiting you" after boarding enquired regarding

nationality of tug also Gap Rock and its residents. The

reply that Gap Rock Lighthouse and its residents were

British was obviously doubted. Questions also asked

regarding power of wireless station and whether it communicated

with Chinese territory. Japanese was informed that station

was of low power for use as signal station of H.M.Government

reporting weather.

Whilst weighing tug lifted ends of old telegraph

cable which was subject of questions. Reply given that

cable was disused.

Manner and behaviour of boarding party

were most polite. All questions asked were answered fully.

On departing the Japanese officer sent a bottle of whiskey

to the tug master. I am of opinion that ordering of an

Admiralty tug to stop instantly and subsequent boarding of

the ship without seeking permission was an act of serious

international discourtesy and warrants a strong protest,

although probably the act of ill informed officers.

No.

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