CO129-579-12 Sino-Japanese War- bombing of railway line within leased territories (Shamchun Incident) 21-2-1939 - 17-3-1939 — Page 42

SECRET CIPHER

TELEGRAM.

42

From:

-

G.O.C. Hong Kong.

To

The War Office.

SECRET.

Desp.0033 6.3.39. Recd.1030 7.3.39.

4902 Cipher 6/3.

General Tanaka accompanied by two staff officers arrived from Canton 2nd March and left morning of 6th. He conveyed full apologies on behalf of General Ando for bombing of British territory Hong Kong 21st February. There is no doubt that bombing much regretted by Japanese higher command and was an embarrassment to

them.

General Tanaka exchanged formal call. He gave explicit verbal assurance no further violation of British territory would occur in future. Compensation of $20,000 asked for and accepted without question. Formal conference was held by C in C and

informal discussion took place.

At none of these did anything of real interest emerge. Attitude of Japanese was correct and outwardly friendly throughout and it was evident that they were anxious to settle this incident as soon as possible and without

argument.

C.4.(Telegrams).

Copies to:- S. of S.

C.I.G.S.

D.C.I.G.S.

P.U.S.

D.M.O. & I.

D.D.M.O.

D.D.M.I.

M.0.1A. 2. 2A.

M.I.2. 20.

Mr. Howe (F.0.).

Carol (Admiralty).

Sqdn.Ldr. Pelly (Air Ministry). Mr.Gent (Colonial Office).