CO129-580-1 Sino-Japanese War- handing over of suspected terrorists to Japanese authorities 1-5-1939 - 24-8-1939 — Page 167

Decypher.

Sir R. Craigie (Tokyo)

19th May, 1939.

D. 5.00 p.m.

19th May, 1939.

R.

12.00 noon 19th May, 1939.

No. 451.

() () () ()

6

167

NO DISTRIBUTION.

IMPORTANT.

Sir A. Clark Kerr's telegram No. 9 tour series to

Tientsin.

From information reaching me from Japanese sources here and from Tientsin telegram to Foreign Office No. 180 it

seems to me doubtful whether Japanese authorities will be

satisfied with action authorised by Sir A. Clark Kerr. I

hope at least that immediate expulsion of men mentioned

under (b) of Chungking telegram under reference will be

authorised.

Should

The e is little doubt that the situation in Tientsin

is growing in seriousness and that the danger of greater

increased Japanese restriction, possibly culminating in the

occupation of the concession, is now a real one.

occupation occur we shall not be able, as the case of

Shanghai, to rely on American assistance (indeed I have

reason to believe local (American) community do not

sympathise with our official attitude on terrorist question);

nor shall we get much help from the French authorities, who

I understand are now working harmoniously with the Japanese.

However unjustified and reprehensible such Japanese action

might be, the effect on our prestige and position would be

disastrous/