CAB129-36 — Page 527

Page 527

249

HIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT)

CONFIDENTIAL

C. P. (49) 184

25TH AUGUST, 1949

CABINET

COPY NO.

31

CHINA

Note by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

I circulate herewith, for the information of my colleagues, a copy of Canton telegram No. 173, which will be seen to have a bearing on the first recommendation contained in C. P. (49) 180 of 23rd August. The Chinese National Govern- ment have, in fact, now returned an unsatisfactory reply to our approach on the question of relief ships.

Foreign Office, S. W. 1.

25TH AUGUST, 1949.

E. B.

TELEGRAM NO.

173, DATED 24TH AUGUST, 1949, FROM CAFT ON TO FOREIGN OFFICE

The Chinese have agreed in principle that His Majesty's Government may despatch ship to Shanghai subject to the following conditions:

(1) There shall be one ship only and evacuation shall be carried out in one operation.

(2) Ship shall firstly proceed to Tinghai where the pro- cedure will be discussed with the Chinese naval authorities. Officers will board the ship and warships escort it.

(3) Name tonnage identification mark sailing date of ship also its passenger capacity cargo crew and number of proposed evacuees shall all be notified beforehand to the Ministry for transmission to the Chinese Naval and Air Force Headquarters.

(4) Cargo shall be limited in kind and quantity to essen- tial requirements of the crew and evacuees.

List shall be supplied to the Chinese Government for their prior approval and the cargo will be checked with the list.

2.

The naval authorities have been instructed to render any necessary assistance in purchase of provisions.

3.

The Chinese Government's action in agreeing to despatch

of ship does not indicate the intention to relax closure policy.

4.

given in 1st paragraph of Washing882telegram

No. 46ge 554 and is not mentioned.

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