CO129-565-1 Indo-China Steam Navigation Company- acquisition of Chinese merchant steamers 30-9-1937 - 6-4-1938 — Page 13

[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.]

13.

From

CHINA.

Decypher.

Mr. Howe (Shanghai).

9th February, 1938.

D.

(BY W/T)

10th February, 1938.

R.

5.3 p.m.

10th February, 1938.

No.286.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Following is repetition of Tokyo telegram No.115 of

February 7th begins:-

Addressed to Embassy Shanghai No.115 of February 7th;

repeated to Hongkong Saving.

Foreign Office No.107 to you.

When this question was raised in November by the Governor of Hongkong he was informed by Secretary of state for the Colonies that while no formal approach to Japanese Government for the purpose of obtaining assurances could be contemplated or countenanced by His Majesty's Government there was no objection to Naval Attachě here drawing attention of Japanese Government informally to the transaction.

I consider it desirable that this should be done and should be grateful to be informed if transaction takes place.