CO129-570-7 Sino-Japanese War- attack on shipping 21-3-1938 - 18-11-1938 — Page 58

(3) It would seem that any British

vessels going to Canton (as they have the

right to do) would have to pass through the

area of naval operations in any case, and,

if they continue to do so, there does not

seen to be much reason for warning off those

going to Hong Kong.

The issue of the suggested advice could only

be justified if British naval authorities on the

spot consider that the number and disposition

of Japanese naval vessels are such that British

vessels should, in their own interests, avoid

passing through the area where they are operating.

The issue of such advice would thus involve

acceptance of Japanese right to dietate routes

to British shipping, but would be justified on

purely navigational grounds.

Any such advice

issued on strictly navigational grounds would

/clearly

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