Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, The Far East, Volume III

893.113/1314: Telegram

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Dawes ) to the Acting Secretary of State ¹⁰

London , July 30, 1931—11 a.m.
[Received July 30—6:24 a.m.]

276. Department’s telegram 238, July 27, 4 p.m.¹¹ Foreign Office states orally British Government’s policy is that no arms or munitions of war including military aeroplanes can leave Great Britain without Board of Trade export license given only after consulting with Foreign Office. In the case of China, Foreign Office concurrence is only given to shipments destined for and with the known sanction of the Nanking Government. As regards Hong Kong local Government was requested to conform to British Government’s policy as above stated. The Hong Kong Government is doing so. Foreign Office states further that commercial aeroplanes can be exported to China or anywhere without reference to Board of Trade or Foreign Office, no export license being required.

Dawes

10. Quoted to the Minister in China in Department’s telegram No. 258, July 31, 6 p.m.
11. Not printed.