FO371-23517 — Page 35

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SECRE T.

CHER

327

From:

G.O. C. Hong Kong.

Desp. 2014 4/12/39. Recd. 1555 4/12/39.

To

A

The War Office.

6104 Cipher 4/12.

F12446

7 DEO 1939

My 6059 30/11.

Have you had any formal notification of proposed relief

of Ishino by Suzuki. From point of view of local defence it is

questionable whether Suzuki will be able to find out anything

which Japanese do not already know, but anomaly of Japanese

officer being allowed to reside in this fortress in time of

war is a matter of policy on which I would like instructions.

The matter is aggravated by presence of Japanese on border

by fact that Ishino's bureau is intelligence bureau for South

China and not only Hong Kong, and that return of Suzuki who

has already done one tour here constitutes tacit admission on

both sides that his duties are intelligence and not linguistic.

If continued residence of Japanese officer is to be

allowed consider relief of Ishino will provide an opportunity

to make permission a very special favour and to demand a

substantual quid pro quo.

C. 4. (Telegrams)

Copies to: M.0.1. 2. 2a.

M.1.2. 2c

Mr. Howe (F.0.)

Commander Barry (Admiralty)

Wing Commander Grant (Air Ministry)

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