FO371-23518 — Page 326

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CYPHER "K" TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong149

to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Dated 21st August 1939.

Received 11.8 a.m., 21st August.

General Officer Commanding's telegram No.5390 to the

War Office makes it clear that coup de main attack on the

Colony by the Japanese troops on the border would leave

little or no time for completing defensive measures which

incumbent on the civil powers: e.g. transfer of food

supplies from the normal storage to district depôts, prepara-

tion of selected buildings as hospitals.

Attack would only occur if Japan determined on war with

Great Britain and may actually antedate declaration. Not

being in a position to know how matters are moving in Tokyo

I rely on advice from you when such measures should be put

in hand: in this connection see the third paragraph of your

telegram No.136.

Japanese occupation of the northern border will reduce

the fresh vegetable supply by 20% at any rate temporarily:

if the blockade extends round Mirs Bay along the shores of

which they are making rapid progrese effect will be consider-

ably greater. Food supplies otherwise are believed adequate

for three months.

I venture to add that I hope firm front will be

maintained at Tokyo regardless of the possible consequences

to this Colony,

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