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* CIPHER

DAAM.

SECRE T.

[=11000

From:- Commander Tientsin Area Tientsin.

To

G.0.C. Hong Kong repeated War Office

and Shanghai.

Desp. 1836 14/11/39. Recd. 1445 14/11/39.

IMMEDIATE.

G/102 Cipher 14/11.

In company with French Commandant I visited General Homma

at 0900 hours today and communicated verbally announcement contained

olaca

in your 5889 of 12/11. French Commandant made a similar announcement.

I stated this would involve much staff work and I (?would be)

grateful for his assistance to D. A.Q.M. G. and my staff in matters

relating to railways etc. Homma twice expressed himself as ready

to co-operate. He (?also) offered assistance in maintaining

order which offer I ignored and changed subject. American and

Italian Commandants were informed verbally yesterday. Japanese

press give favourable reception to news, but Domei attributes move

to Japanese advice to us to withdraw troops. Statements concerning

move attributed by Domei to Major Delamain are fabrications.

Preparations in future will inevitably disclose dispositions

this area. From today's interview I do not anticipate major

difficulties but Japanese co-operation would be facilitated if

(?these) dispositions could be stated by me at an early date.

(?Request authority) to do so.

Propose to endeavour to see General Tada or Chief Staff

Officer in Peking this week-end to enlist their (?co-operation).

C.4.(Telegrams)

To M. 0.2. (for action)

Copies to:- S. of S.

P.U.S.

C.I.G.S. D.C.I.G. S.

D. M. O. & P.

D. P.

D. of Mov.

D. of Quartering M.0.1. 2. 2a.

M.I.2. 20. 7.

Q.M.G.2.c. 14c.

Lieut-Gen. Marshall Cornwall (Room 227) Mr. Howe (Foreign Office)

First Lord of Admiralty.

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