CO129-567-5 Traffic of arms to China and Japanese air-raids on Kowloon-Canton railway 11-4-1938 - 19-1-1939 — Page 160

Enclosure No. 1.

161

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Hon.Colonial Secretary.

The information of the Japanese General Staff is not correct. It is true that there were heavy shipments in February and March and to a lesser extent in April. Since pril there has

been a decrease.

2.

It is not true that even when not of British origin about 80% of Total munitions was carried in British ships. The exact figures for the months February to June inclusive are shewn in the

attached returns.

3.

The handling of munitions in Hong Kong destined for China is entirely carried out by the South West Transportation Company, who take delivery of all cargoes on arrival.

4.

I have no information regarding the procedure in Ilanoi

and Singapore.

5.

I have shown on each return the names of British and Foreign ships bringing munitions to Hong Kong. It will be noticed that the amount of munitions carried by foreign ships is far greater than that carried by British ships, although in some months the number of British and foreign vessels carrying munitions is the same. A number of foreign ships have British agents in Hong Kong

6.

The average amount of munitions of British and Foreign origin carried in British ships works out at 25.8. This figure is arrived at by adding the percentages shown in the last column hile of the returns and dividing by the total number of items. this is not a very satisfactory method of calculation, I think it gives a reasonably accurate estimate.

7

I regret delay in furnishing these figures which was due to the amount of work involved in compiling the returns.

(sd) W. La B. Sparrow.

per Commissioner of Police.

28th July, 1938.

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Enclosure