FO371-23516 — Page 186

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F 2632

Military Branch,

233

Sb

16 MAR 1939

Admiralty, S.W.1.

13th March, 1939.

Page 186

Dear Scott,

The Opposition have given notice that in

the course of the debate on the Navy Estimates on

Wednesday they will bring forward the charge that the

مل

Royal Navy did not properly carry out their duty of

and of

supporting British interests, for protecting British

lives and property in China. It is gathered that

they will be mainly concerned with the Yangtse

gunboats, which, they allege, are afraid to go

up

the river, and with the Rear Admiral, Yangtse, whom

they will accuse of spending all his time at Shanghai.

I attach a copy (without annexures) of a

note which I have hurriedly dictated for the information

of the Civil Lord, who will be replying to the debate.

I shall be very grateful if you will let me

know sometime tomorrow whether you have any comments.

Yours sincerely,

во

Jamett

A.L. Scott, Esq.,

Foreign Office,

S.W.1.

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