159.
reconstruction could begin and the first step was to get
trade going again on the lower Yangtze.
In reply to my enquiry, he said that the date on
which navigation could be resumed depended on two factors:
(a) the making of arrangements for the handing over of
hulks, etc., hitherto occupied by the military for defence purposes; (b) negotiation for international arrangements
governing this resumption of navigation. Confidentially,
he could inform me that the date by which the Japanese
Government hoped all arrangements would be concluded was
some time in February.
As regards (b) Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
considered that discussions would have to take place primarily
with His Majesty's Government as Great Britain was the power
having the largest interests on the Yangtze. These discussions
would be concerned with the five following points:
1. Military regulations mainly concerned with safeguards
against transport of munitions to enemy forces.
3.
Custom House arrangements.
Arrangements between shipping interests (pooling
arrangement was contemplated under which dividends would
be guaranteed to all, thus avoiding unfair advantage being
taken of Japan's present inability to participate fully in
this trade.)
4. Precautions against profits made the Chinese
Banks on resumption of this trade, being used for purchase of
menitions by the Chinese National Government.
5.
Currency arrangements, (designed primarily to
ensure that the enhanced value of Fapi, likely to result
from the re-opening of the Tangtze, should not prejudice
Japan's/
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