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2nd January, 1940.
D.
3.55 p.il.
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4.20 p.m.
No. 3.
MINNIRAMMIBIDAIA.
2nd January, 1940.
2nd January, 1940.
181
Following from Ir. Toller, Canton.
Addressed to His Majesty's Ambassador at Shanghai telegram
No. 214 of December 30th; repeated to Governor Hong Kong No. 279, Commander-in-Chief No. 123, Tokyo No. 88. Governor please pass to Commodore for Commander-in-Chief China and Chief of Intelligence Staff Far East Singapore.
My telegram No. 205.
Commissioner of Customs informs me confidentially that he has been negotiating with the local Japanese authorities regarding the re-opening of Canton Customs. He gathers that limited re- opening of Pearl River to navigation, coastal, river and foreign, will probably take place soon and that as a first step Customs will be re-organized on lines forecast in Canton despatch No. 8 of 9th January.
2. He understands Japanese are at present negotiating with Hong Kong authorities for [2 gps. undec.] by Japanese Government for vessels calling at Hong Kong under the agreement. If negotiations succeed, certificates that these vessels are Government transports will no longer continue and they will come under ordin- ary customs control. This question is independent of general re- opening of the river which it will probably precede. Immediate appointment of 7 Japanese customs officers has therefore been demanded including Japanese Assistant Harbour ilaster. These 7 are included in the 32 previously demanded (see enclosure No. 1 in despatch under reference). In this connexion it may be pointed
out/
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