THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
20
FAR EASTERN (JAPAN).
CONFIDENTIAL.
November 10, 1939.
SECTION 1.
[F 11763/10166/23]
(No. 149.)
Mr. Lamb to Viscount Halifax.-(Received November 10.)
Copy No. 135
HIS Majesty's Embassy, Peking, presents its compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and transmits herewith a copy of embassy despatch No. 229 to His Majesty's Ambassador, Shanghai, dated the 13th September, respecting a list of prominent Japanese personalities.
Peking, September 13, 1939.
Enclosure 1.
Mr. Lamb to Sir A. Clark Kerr.
(No. 229.) Sir,
Peking, September 14, 1939. I HAVE the honour to transmit a copy of a list of prominent Japanese personalities, grouped according to their reputed political sympathies and affiliations, which was shown to me in confidence by a British subject, into whose temporary possession it had come by roundabout means. The author is stated to be a well-informed Chinese recently returned from a visit to Tokyo.
2. In the absence of the necessary expert knowledge to assess the correctness or possible value of the information contained in this document, I at first hesitated about making use of it in an official despatch. I availed myself, however, of the opportunity of his recent visit to Peking to show it to Major-General F. S. G. Piggott, military attaché at Tokyo, who was good enough to contribute some notes after due perusal.
3. Major-General Piggott's favourable opinion regarding the general correctness of the summary and the grouping of the officers mentioned has encouraged me to forward copies of the document in question in the hopes that it may prove to be of some use for purposes of reference. I have also taken the liberty of enclosing a copy of the notes made by Major-General Piggott referred to in paragraph 3.
Enclosure 2.
I have, &c.
L. H. LAMB.
List of Prominent Japanese Personalities.
I.-Differences of Opinion on Foreign Policies.
A.-Pro-Democracies Group.
1. R. Wakatsuki, adviser to Minseito, the biggest party in Japan.
2. S. Yoshita, sometimes Ambassador to London.
3. Matsudaira, Minister to the Royal Family.
4. Shigemitsu, now Ambassador to London.
5. Yuasa, Minister to the Emperor.
6. Makino, chief attendance to the Emperor.
7. K. Hirota, sometimes Foreign Minister and Premier of Government.
8. H. Arita, now Foreign Minister.
9. S. Ugaki and his group.
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