CO129-580-2 Sino-Japanese War- British policy and reactions in Hong Kong and Malaya 27-7-1939 - 3-2-1940 — Page 84

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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.

From: CHINA.

De cypher.

sir A, Clark Kerr (Shanghai)

13th Septemb

7020

No.1026.

D. W/T 13th September 1939.

R. 6.38 p.m. 14th September 1939.

00000000000000000

Your telegram No.540 to Paris.

Hanliwu recently sent me a message to the effect that the Chinese authorities were much concerned over the report that the French Government were seeking rapprochement with Japan, which would involve settlement of outstanding issues such as the transit of material through Indo-China. I was asked to use my best efforts to counteract this move.

2. I am informed that the message was drafted in consultation with Chiang Kai-shek and other members of the Chinese government and represents their views. Chiang Kai-shek is making much of the idea of a common stand against aggression on the part of China, Great Britain and France (see i gp. unde c.] Chungking telegram No.527 to me repeated to you as my telegram No.1036 sic.]) and fears the disruption of the United Front out here.

3. I am telling Chiang Kai-shek that I think his fears are exaggerated but that I am keeping a close watch.

Addressed to the Foreign Office telegram No.102€ (of September 13th] repeated to Tokyo telegram No. 61, Governor of Hongkong No.86.

amended to 40

(28)

مه

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