FO371-23523 — Page 89

Page 89

SECRET.

Page 89

0952/30 November.

MESSAGE.'

To C. in C. China. 79.

Repeated R. A. Yangtse, 947.

OUT.

nter

Date. 30. 11. 39.

F 12329

NAVAL CYPHER (A)

5 DEG 1939

From Admiralty.

49

11734

39

Your 1033/30 and 1129/8, it has been decided that

the three Gunboats in Japanese controlled waters on Yangtse

are to be withdrawn at early date. Gunboats at Shanghai

will be withdrawn later as convenient, but one will be retained

at Shanghai and one at Canton for as long as possible. The

three Gunboats above Hankow in Chinese controlled waters will

It has been considered desirable to give advance information of this decision to French and United States

Governments: you should communicate it to your United States and French colleagues but take no other action pending further instructions.

remain.

Request you will report whether you consider

appointment of R. 4. Yangtse should continue when majority of Gunboats are withdrawn; and if not what arrangement you recommend for administration of Gunboats then remaining.

0952/30.

for Head of M.

1st Lord 1st S. L. 2nd S. L.

Naval Sec.

D.C.N.S.

A.C.N. S.

C.S.0. to 1st S. L.

O.D. (F)

0. D. 8.

D. of P. (3)

D. P.S. (3)

D. S.D.9.

F. N.L.O.

M. (18)

N. A. 2nd S. L. C.W. (2)

Page 89

Page 89

Page 89