FO371-23517 — Page 96

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F 2059

MS SMAR 1939

SFCRET.

FROM: .L.0. Shanghai.

IN.

387

DATE: 20.3.39.

RECD: 1825.

B.A.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL CYPHER.

ADDRESSED: C.in C. China repeated Consul General Shanghai,

Embassy Tokyo, Admiralty, S.M.C.Tsingtao. Embassy, Shanghai.

lessrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co.Ltd. report that at 1535 on 18th March when in position 36 degrees 01 minutes North 120 degrees 19 minutes Test a bomb was dropped 500 feet on port beam of their Steamship CHAKSANG on passage from Tsingtao to Shanghai. I have seen master who reports that prior to this two Japanese seaplanes were first sighted some five miles astern of ship and flying at right angles to his course. No further notice was taken of seaplanes until bomb exploded, at which time two seaplanes were flying parallel to ship's course on port beam at one thousand feet.

Having dropped one bomb both seaplanes turned into wind and landed alongside Japanese carrier two miles astern of

ship.

Steamship CHAFSANG's three painted Union Jacks and

ensign must have been plainly visible to pilots.

I consider it possible that this was probably case of Japanese pilot wishing to unload his one remaining bomb before

landing.

Am taking matter up with Japanese Naval Authorities here.

1st Lord. 1st $.L.

2nd S.L.

3rd S.L.

4th S.L.

5th S.L.

D.C.N.S.

CIVIL LORD.

SFC.

NAVAL SIC.

P.A.S.(S). 0.7.(3).

D.N.I.(6).

M.(10).

1.35.

.C.N.S. PARL.SEC. M.34.

D. of P.(3).

D.S.D.9

O.I.C.(3).

Trade Div. (2).

D. of T.D.

1630/20.

D.D. of S.T.(Mr.Dorrell)(2). Foreign Office ) To be

War Office

Air Ministry

ворт

sent by

M.Branch.

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