CO129-575-15 Traffic of arms to China 24-1-1939 - 4-12-1939 — Page 197

MKX SECRET.

Copies to H.B.M. Consul-General,

Canton, No.29 H.B.M. Ambassador,

Shanghai, No.35.

H.B.M. Ambassador,

Tokyo, No.36.

Commander-in-Chief,

China Station.

General Officer Commanding

FIYED

22 MAY 1939.

the British Troops in

China.

AY

67.94

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONG KONG,

5th May, 1939.

Sir,

53548/06. (44)

F.0./71

And

98

Copy

(3)

With reference to your telegram No.4 of 4th

January, 1937, regarding the export of war material from

Hong Kong to Macao and to my secret despatch of 20th

January, 1939, regarding the export of war material to

destinations in South China, I have the honour to inform

you that this Government has been approached informally

by agents in Hong Kong of the Chinese Military

Administration, who deal with the export of arms through

the Colony to China, with a proposal that this Government

should allow the export of war material to Macao for

re-export and use ultimately by Chinese forces operating in

South Kwang Tung, but that this Government should not

insist on any formal authorizations from the Macao

Government or its accredited representatives. As evidence

that the Macao authorities would raise no objection a

personal letter, of which a copy is attached, from the

Macao Chief of Police to the Commissioner of Police,

Hong Kong, was produced.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

MALCOLM MACDONALD, M.P.,

&C.,

&C., &C.