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MESSAGE

From: M.W.T.R. Hong Kong via C. in C.

C.C.M. F.O.(3) by_W/T addressed: British Embassy, Shanghai ཏ

Info

: M.W.T. London.

SOUTHE ST 8

Your Northmast 4.

230242/Sept.

I N

Date: 24.9.45 Recd: 2315

1. For your private information am informed that M.W.T. aro ondeavouring to return some 50,000 tons coastal tonnage tp Hong Kong between mid-October and mid-November but I consider it unlikely that this target can be wholly achieved.

2.

I have told London that we cannot operate coasters unless bunker coal is made available there they are oxpecting us to rely on far east resources. Have you any information as to the availab- ility of coal in Tsingtao Chinwang Tao. The position here is serious.

3. Subject to the foregoing ships completing discharge here might be allocated for joint programme Hong Kong Shanghai we are submitting this to London.

4. Following from Price. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into political discussion that stage leave to Embassy no clause 1943 Treaty restrictions foreign flag. Issue left open best to assume status quo cântinues.

e.g.

5.

CTG 112.3 pass to British Embassy Shanghai.

eth

230242

Sir G.

Jenkins

Mr.F..Griffiths Sir W. Carrie (2)

P(0)(2)

Mr.D.G.Ferguson

S.T.N.2

Coal Divn.(5)

bir.J.G.Simon

Mr.D.H.Edwards

Mr.H.Mayo Mr.F.C.Rennie Alboc. Br.(6) F.S.R.(4) E/I.A.(3 W.T.R.(3) File copy

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