ESSAGE.
SECRET.
IN.
From
C. in C. China.
DATE
19.4.39.
RECD
1302/19.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL CYPHER.
23
46
Ambassador
Addressed Admiralty repeated Ambassador Tokyo
Shanghai, N.L.0.Shanghai, Commodore, Hong Kong.
IMPORTANT.
233.
Shipping incidents on South China coast since.
beginning of this month have been characterised by a disregard
by Japanese of international law and flag verification agree-
ment, and exercise by them of belligerent rights. Of these
incidents SAGRES is outstanding example, and it appears likely
that kut for presence of H.M.S. SCOUT at Foochow British
ships there would have shared the fate of the ships of other
nationalities who have been seized by Japanese prize crews.
Co-incident with these activities is departure of MYOKO 5th
fleet flagship, who has recently been in affected area, for
Hainan, and her apparent relief as what might be termed
Senior Officer of Swatow-Foochow patrol by NATORI, whose first
assumption of this duty this appears to be.
It is possible that these incidents are due to reasons set
out in my 141 (1632/24), but on the other hand they may be the
result of a definite policy of which St. VINCENT DE PAUL was
perhaps the first example. The fact remains that unless
these actions are checked, and checked quickly, the shipping
situation will deteriorate rapilly, as I am unable to provide
guard ships for all threatened points.
I suggest strong action
in Tokyo should be taken as soon as possible.
1st Lord.
1st S.L. 2nd S.L. 3rd S.L. 4th S.L.
5th S.L.
Co Byth
D.C.N.S. A.C.N.S. PARL. SEC. CIVIL LORD.
SEC.
NAVAL SEC.
P.A.S.(S). O.D. (3) D.N.I.(6) M.36 (12)
•
D. of P.(3). D.S.D.9.
1251/19.
0.1.C.(3). Trade Div. (2).
D.D. of S.T.(Mr. Dorrell)
R.C.(3).
(2)
Foreign Office, War office, Air Ministry) to be sent by M.Br.
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