CO129-573-2 Export of torpedo boats to China 14-5-1938 - 5-10-1938 — Page 18

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a matter with which he is, strictly speaking,

concerned nor has he the requisite information

at his disposal, and it seems to me unfair to

ask him to bear the responsibility of a matter

outside his province. On the other hand, there

is undoubtedly some risk of incident if these

boats go on to Canton by water, as (30)states.

As a deadlock has been reached and as

the last of the boats for China should, as

far as we know, leave this country at the end

of this month, there seems to be no point in

indulging in the cumbrous procedure necessary

to obtain agreement, e.g. an interdepartmental

meeting or reference to Ministers and the

matter does not seem sufficiently important

to justify such concern.

On Mr Gent's instructions I have therefore

suggested to the various departments that we

snould leave the matter as it stands. The

Governor's instructions, such as they are, would

then be contained in (5) and (14) which give him

some hint that the matter might be referred to

us if there is a risk of serious incident from

the boats being carried by sea. This position

is theoretically unsatisfactory, but it seems to

me most suitable arrangement in the circum-

1other Depts

stances and the ice concerned agree.

Perhaps it would be as well to confirm this

and I attach drafts for con'son.

7. Rages

8.8.38

Hollowell

Jagme

nehaut.

امید

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