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F 11918/3918/10

OUT FILE

IL EDIATE.

gir,

TIAL

16

3.0.1.

22nd Kovember, 1939.

With reference to Admiralty letter o. E 010967/39

of 16th November on the subject of the gunboats remaining

in Chinese waters, I am directed by Viscount Halifax to

transmit, to be laid before the Lords Coumissioners of

the Admiralty, the draft of a telegram which, subject to the

concurrence of Their Lordships, it is proposed to despatch

to His Majesty's Diplomatic representatives in Washington

end Paris, instructing them to inform the United States

and French Governments of the intentions of His Majesty's

Government.

2. Lord Halifax considers it undesirable to make any

mention in the communications to the United States and

French Governments of Admiral Oiliana's request for the

withdrawal of His Lajesty's hip "Peterel" at Hankow.

He would prefer that the reason stated for the withdrawal

of the ships should be the convenience of His Majesty's

It will Government in respect of their own war needs.

be observed that it is proposed to infor: the United States

and French Governments that the local United States and

French commanders will be notified before the withdrawal

takes place, and in this connexion I am to state that

Lord Helifax considers it advisable that the Rear-Admiral,

Yangtze, should inform his United States and French colleagues

as early as possible of the intentions of His ajesty's

Government.

In conclusion, I am to state that lord Falifax

The Secretary

of the Admiralty.

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would/

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