NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decypher.
Sir A. Clark Kerr (Shanghai)
28th June, 1939.
D.
BY /T.
28th June, 1939.
R.
6.05 p.m.
28th June, 1939.
No. 608.
35
Your telegram No. 456.
I have consulted with Messrs. Blunt and Hutcheson and
consider that the balance of advantage is against
introduction of ordinance for the following reasons (1) it
would play into the hands of the Japanese who, as
occupation of Swatow has shown, are anxious to stop all
trade between Hong Kong and unoccupied China; (2) it
would not materially assist Customs to suppress smuggling
from the colony since such little smuggling as is still
done is carried on by junk; (3) it would appear retrograde
step from Hong Kong point of view.
2. If it is desired not to issue ordinance I should
like authority to explain reasons to authorities on the
foregoing lines.
Addressed to Foreign Office; repeated to Governor
Hong Kong No. 57, Commercial Secretary Hong Kong No. 65
and Canton No. 63.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.