CO129-570-7 Sino-Japanese War- attack on shipping 21-3-1938 - 18-11-1938 — Page 21

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also bound by the normal rules of international

law which forbid deliberate attacks on merchant

vessels.

(c) British interests in these ships, since these

fishing craft, which are licensed in, and

habitually based on Hong Kong, are important

providers of foodstuffs, and since the great

majority of them carry Chinese persons born in

Hong Kong and thus British subjects.

3. I shall therefore be grateful, if Your Excellency,

unless you see any objection, will make representations in

the above sense to the Japanese Government.

I am, with great truth and respect,

Sir,

Your Excellency's obedient Servant,

(For the Secretary of State)

(Sd.) F.. G. HOWE.