FO371-23518 — Page 219

Page 219

N

course understood that they would be able to run

freely to the opened ports of China. That, of course

is not the position at present. The Chinese

Government are not able to assure to us our treaty

right to trade with the open ports, such as Canton,

which are closed by the Japanese, and it may not be in the real interests of China at the present time,

or of ours, to throw further difficulties in the way

of such trade as may temporarily be diverted to

other places. For all we know the request for this

ordinance may only originate with the local customs

authorities, who are merely concerned to carry out

their routine duties, and it may not have the

considered support of the higher Chinese authorities.

Shanghai telegram No. 85 of June 5, indicates that

when the Japanese have stopped the trade at certain

ports, our vessels have been able to get their

cargo from smaller places in the vicinity.

At all events, I think that before signifying

our approval we should obtain the views of the

Ambassador and the Trade Commissioner of Hong Kong.

I have spoken with Mr. Gent of the Colonial Office

and he agrees that there is no reason why we should

be hurried into compliance with the Customs request.

I submit a draft telegram to Shanghai.

лагчате

य

9.6

Page 219

Page 219

:

:

3

Page 219

Page 219