FO371-23517 — Page 55

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F 12862

347

From: The War Office.

То

៖

G.0.C. Hong Kong.

M.A. Tokyo.

SECRET.

19 DEC 1939

Desp.2140 16.12.39.

Repeated G.S.0.1.(I) Far East, Singapore.

62246 Cipher M.I.2. 16/12.

Reference G.0.C. Hong Kong 6168 of 12/12 and 6192 of 14/12

and M.A. Tokyo 194 of 13/12. Following two factors have been given

consideration.

Taking long view we want proportion of language officers

to return to Japan in order to avoid similar difficulties to those

caused by lack of qualified officers followin, the last war.

2.

Question has acquired political slant in view of general

Anglo-Japanese situation.

Force of G.0.C. Hong Kong's remarks in 6104 of 4/12 and

above quoted telegrams realised. Residence in Hong Kong of so called language officer has been tolerated in the past on basis of "the devil you know is better than the devil you don't" although appreciated that in addition there have been and will be in any case Japanese working underground.

In all the circumstances agreed opinion of Foreign Office, Colonial Office and War Office is that best course to pursue is as outlined in concluding sentence of M.A.Tokyo's telegram 194 to which should be added "and we reserve the right to cancel

arrangement if we consider conditions are not being fulfilled".

C.4.(Telegrams).

Copies to:- M.0.1. 2. 2A.

D.M.I.

D.D.M.I.(Inf.) M.I.1.2.20. L.

Mr. Howe (Foreign Office) Cdr.Barry (Admiralty) Wing Cdr.Grant (Air Ministry) Mr. Gent (Colonial Office).

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