NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decypher.
Mr. Young (Peking).
18th November, 1937.
D.
(BY W/T)
18th November, 1937.
R•
5.00 p.m.
18th November, 1937.
No.782.
XCXCXCXCXCC
Your telegram unnumbered of November 12th.
Following from Hongkong.
Following is repetition of my telegram No.53 of
November 4th to Nanking.
Addressed to Nanking No.53 of November 4th; repeated
to Peking telegram No.15 copies to Canton, General Officer
Commanding Commodore.
Following from Mr. Blunt.
Hongkong telegram No.268 to Colonial Office.
Reason for restriction is the fear that Japanese
destroyers might enter river. Naval experts assure me that
although shallow draught Japanese destroyer (see Jeans
fighting ships) draws 7ft. 9 inches she could not operate
even in safe waters at a depth of less than 15ft. 6 inches.
Consequently restriction below 13 ft. (which could include
coastal steamers) and certainly 11 ft. (which will allow
none of Hongkong-Canton steamers to function normally)
is unreasonable.
Can you persuade C.K.S, to influence the issue on the
ground that (1) prevention of river steamer traffic must
injure Chinese revenue trade and morale and (2) would have
no military value.
344
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