CO129-566-7 J.J. Richards- arrest as Japanese spy by Chinese authorities 13-1-1938 - 12-9-1938 — Page 13

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and, being satisfied with the assurances given to me that Richard would be in no danger of his life, or of ill- treatment, I decided that his obnoxious and dangerous activities would be best discouraged by taking no action on his behalf, unless and until I was informed officially of his arrest by the Hong Kong authorities.

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The situation became more difficult, when the instance throughout, it appears of the Japanese Consulate-General at Hong Kong - the British press at Hong Kong on December 18th mentioned "ichard's arrest. On December 19th, the Hong Kong correspondent of the London "Daily Express" called upon me to make enquiries. I told him (Mr. Norman Stockton) privately an outline of the true facts, but for publication asked him to state that I had no official information, and that I should take action as soon as the Hong Kong Government made complaint to me about the arrest of this alleged British subject with a Hong Kong passport. I comm nicated accordingly with the Hong Kong Government unofficially. The Hong Kong papers gave no further trouble. On December 28th, I received a letter in perfect English from Richard's uneducated Chinese wife, informing me or his arrest, to which I replied on December 29th that she should address the Hong Kong Government and that upon receipt of complaint from them, I would at once make enquiries. Yesterday and today happened the events mentioned in paragraph 4. Today I have received a report from the Hong Kong Government regarding Richard's detention, and requesting me to take appropriate action.

BLUNT.