CO129-579-3 Sino-Japanese War- shipping 30-10-1938 - 23-12-1939 — Page 59

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Hinghwa on the southern Coast of Fukien about 9.00 o'clock on July 25th a message from Shanghai

reveals. This is the first incident involving a foreign ship in the boom set by Japanese Naval forces along the China Coast. It is recalled that Japanese

authorities have repeatedly warned Third-Power shipping against the danger of attempting to break through the booms. Japanese Authorities will not assume responsibility for the damage sustained by the British steamer in accordance with their previous

notifications".

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From the foregoing it will be seen that mines have been laid on the China Coast by the Japanese Naval Authorities and are a hindrance to British trade, and the laying of these mines is, as previously stated in direct contravention of

International Law.

Should there be any further information you require,

kindly let us know.

We have, eto.,

(SD.) DOUGLAS LAPRAIK & CO.,

General Managers

DOUGLAS STEAMSHIP CONTANY LTD.