From: CHINA.
Telegram (en clair) from Mr. Blunt, (Canton).
D. February 19th, 1939.
R.
No. 3. SAVING.
March 3rd, 1939.
31.88
Addressed to His Majesty's Ambassador, Shanghai, No. 2 of 18/2/39.
The predictions contained in the last
paragraph of my telegram No.261 of 1938 after over
three months of Japanese occupation, have been
generally fulfilled, except inasmuch as a fairly
reasonable postal service has been set up through the
mechanism of the old Chinese Post Office but under
Japanese supervision.
2.
There have been some agreeable suprises.
Merchants have been able to dispose without restrictions
of existing stocks as fas as purchasers could be found;
there has been no arbitrary interference with movements
of gunboats or with supplies for local foreigners who
have been treated with courtesy. On the other hand
business hardly exists and there is no signs of progress
about the future wither as regards shipping, customs or
trade. Staffs are being reduced drastically, leaving
only 'caretakers' in the hope of later improvement in
the situation.
Meanwhile there are Japanese shops in
the city well stocked with all manner of Japanese produce.
brought to Canton in Government chartered vessels or
'transports' and supplies, mostly of foodstuffs,
kerosene and piece goods, 'surplus to military
requirements' will continue to arrive for sale.
3.
My impression is that matters will improve,
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.