FO371-46257 — Page 182

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JDB

MESSAGE

TOP

SECRET

From: M.W.T.R. SOUTH CHINA.

I.D.C.

F8984 1447 10

6 NO. 1945

5261

Page 182

IN

230804Z/October

Date: 24.10.45. Recd. 1422

To:

Shipminder London MAST 83

Rptd. British Embassy Chungking. Mast 13.

B.C.G. Shanghai. for M.W.T.R. Shanghai Mast 24. F.S.T. (Groups missed) A.C.

IMPORTANT GUARD

Personal for Sir Gilmour Jenkins from Reid.

My Masts 70 and 78

(1) I estimate that in the absence of assistance from other sources of supply minimum monthly requirements of coal for all consumers including bunkers from Chingwang Tao will be 100,000 and 25,000 tons for Hong Kong and Canton.

(2)

(3)

It seems probable that these quantities will be available.

I estimate that 20 vessels lifting each approximately 7,000 tons will be required each month to lift these joint requirements.

(4) It is probable part of required tonnage will be fixed by Americans who have now indicated that they will have vessels available.

(5) However initial promptitude of British fixture of 6 SAMS has created very good impression with Chinese and will certainly have very favourable repercussion from political aspect on negotiations now proceeding over Cabotage question also allocation now ready Chingwang Tao coal to Hong Kong.

(6) To maintain this advantage it is of utmost importance that I should be placed in a position immediately to negotiate definitely to advise the Chinese Govt. through M. W. T.R. Shanghai whether if necessary I can quarantee all cetion of sufficient British tonnage to cover whole of estimated movement or failing this at least promise retention as permanent shuttles of 6 vessels already fixed plus as many more (?of the se) vessels as you can allocate.

(7) I should appreciate immediate advice from you to enable me to continue these negotiations observing that longer lapse of time in making concrete proposals the gre ter will be risk of deterioration in our present advantageous position arising from my para 5m

* Not yet received in Tel. Sec.

Sir C. Hurcomb

Sir G. Jenkins

Mr. F. A.

Griffiths

Mr. E.M. Nicholson

D. O.S. T..

Mr. B. E. Pellamy

Sir W.Currie (2)

Mr. C.C.Fisher Mr. J.G.Simon

Mr. R. J Sharp

Mr. M.Y. Fiennes

2308042.

Mr. A. M. Roke

P(0)(3)

Coal Div. (5)

Maj. Gen. R. C. Money (2) Mr. D. G. Ferguson

F.S.R. (4)

Mr. G.P.Christopher Mr. W. Graham (2) Mr.R.B. L. Hill Mr.C.F. Brown Mr. A. G. Pockett

Alloc. Br. (6) Mr.S.W.Hill E/I.A (6) W.T.R. (3)

7949

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