SECRET.
MESSAGE.
29 113
IN.
FROM-
C-in-C.China.
DATE-
20/5/39.
RECD.
2355
INTERDEPARTMENTAL CYPHER.
ADDRESSED- Admiralty, H.M.Ambassador Tokyo Commodore
Hong Kong.
383.
Following from Naval Liaison Officer Shanghai begins:
C-in-C.China in H.M.S.KENT C-in-C.China in H.M.S.BIRMINGHAM, FROM N.L.O.Shanghai.
Today Friday I received letter signed by Admiral Nomura
of which substance is as follows begins:
effect:
Admiral Oikawa comments on the letter to following
On evening of May 16th one cruiser one destroyer and two gun launches of Japanese Navy were carrying out special night operations at Foochow. When, in course of these operations, the two gun launches went to anchorage on south side of Waitou Channel, outside Foochow harbour, British destroyers H.22 and H.75 suddenly played their searchlights on them and preparel moreover to warn Chinese of Japanese operatiens by means of signals and by sending out launch. As a result lights ashore were immediately extinguished. Two British destroyers kept their searchlights on throughout night.
2.
As a result of this facilities for Japanese operations were seriously hindered.
3.
Pending receipt of more detailed report Admiral Oikawa protested against this unlawful interference with Japanese operations by British Warships and at same time reserved right to take such measures or to make such demands to British authorities as may later be deemed necessary.
4.
Japanese give notice of their views that unless British actions of the kind mentioned above are not discontinued at once responsibility for any untoward incident that might be caused thereby must rest with British authorities.
5.
•
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