FO371-23517 — Page 51

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LLORET CIPHER

TELEGRAM.

SECRET.

From:- Military Attache, Tokyo.

To :- The War Office

repeated G.0.0. Hong Kong.

G.O.C. Malaya.

343

F12751

15 DTO 1959

Desp. 1000 13/12/39. Recd. 1450 13/12/39.

194 cipher 13/12.

My telegram 192. I have discussed matter further

with Ambassador who makes the following suggestions.

1.

He considers Japanese War Office assurance in regard

to language officers can be relied upon but thinks it would be

better, before officers are actually sent, that arrangements

should be put on written record with Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Diplomatic status is not feasible.

2.

As regards question of Suzuki he hopes, in view of

political implication, matter will be discussed with the Foreign

Office before decision is taken to ask this officer to leave

Hong Kong

He fears unfortunate repercussions on account of

G.O.C.'s notification that Suzuki may only remain in Hong Kong for

three weeks, especially as he understands (a) that there is no

general prohibition of residence of foreign officers since the

war and (b) that Suzuki is a normal replacement in a series of

officers who have resided in Hong Kong for at least ten years.

He therefore suggests best course would be to accept Japanese

apology and to allow Suzuki to remain on understanding that

everything possible is done by Japanese authorities to improve

attachment and other facilities offered to language officers we

propose to send.

C.4. (Telegrams)

To M.1.2. (for action)

Copics to:- M.0.1.2.

M.1.1.2.2c. M.I.L.

2a.

Mr.Howe (F.0.)

Cdr. Barry (Admiralty). Wing Cdr. Grant. (Air Ministry).

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