CO129-565-1 Indo-China Steam Navigation Company- acquisition of Chinese merchant steamers 30-9-1937 - 6-4-1938 — Page 39

5th October'.

Tokyo to Foreign Office No.491.

339

Japanese Government will not deny validity of transfers of ships from Chinese to British registry even cubsequent to August 25th

here they are in accordance with British law. They agree that only British authoritios can determine validity of transfer under British law. Since however there may be Chinese vessels effecting a fictitious transfer subsequent to that date it may be necessary to inspect and detain such vessels to enquire into their real nationality.

To avoid complication Japanese Government would be glad

to be supplied with list of vessels transferred from Chinese to British registry subsequent to August 25th and schedule of sailings of British ships.

5th October. Tokyo to Foreign Office No.492. Reference

No.491.

His Majesty's Ambassador thinks it would be in interest

of

of legitimate British shipping to supply, even if only

unofficially, list of vessols transferred. Also British

shipping might perhaps be advised to inform Japandse Consular

authorities at Shanghai or elsewhere of names of ships

entering blockade area. If this is approved, His Majestys

Ambassador will try and arrange accordingly with Japanese

Government. Ends.