FO371-23518 — Page 6

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inserted last sentence.

He assured me that it would be futile to

offer resistance and that French would not fight. It will be seen that Catteville contemplated withdrawal on order from Paris but situation complicated by conflicting (?orders) received in French Foreign Office, Colonial Office and General Staff. Part 3. Reference para. 1(b). French reluctant to state action

to be taken in the event of incidents arising from present

situation.

Part 4.

The

Reference para. 3 "it was agreed 2 would probably be difficult for formed bodies of the allied troops to escape from concession and join hands with Chinese forces, a few isolated parties might succeed in doing this but it is to be expected that

Japanese would take steps to surround concession in strength. possibility however of garrisons escaping from concession and joining hands with Chinese will be fully explored on assumption that allied governments would agree to this course of action". Relations Catteville cordial and my impression is that he is in full agreement with us. Report on conversations at Shanghai

follows in separate telegram.

C.4.(Telegrams).

To D.M.O. & I. only (12 copies).

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