"(1) The closing of traffic applies, as clearly stated in the declaration made on August 25 by Admiral Hasegawa, only to Chinese vessels ud does not apply to vessels of third 'Pow Consequently, arms amthunition carried on board the latter ships do not come within the scope of the present measure. However, since' the above-mentioned declaration was issued, there have been Chinese ships flying foreign flags in order to evade the application of the declaration, and the Japanese Government are faced with the necessity of inspecting suspected ships order to identify their nationality. The Japanese Government, of course, do not want create unnecessary—misunderstanding with the ships of third Powers and, so, they would find it ronventent to have advance notice of ships entering the prescribed area, as to their names, their cap-ruins, and matters concerning the capital invested "(2) As you are aware, the Japanese Government have made it clear, in their statement of August 26, that in the face of the present situation they were forced to adopt this measure with a view to prompting China's reconsideration and_ bringing about a speedy settlement. In the sent circumstances, if large quantities of arms and ammunitions were to be supplied to China from abroad, it wottld only strengthen both morally and materially her antagonism toward Japan, and thereby prolong and intensify the present conflict. The Japanese Government. therefore, hope that Governments of the third Powers concerned will appreciate the delicate situation, snd refrain, as much as possible, from doing anything which is likely to encourage China in this direction, (3) The present declaration being s stated above, the Japanese Government do not for the present contemplate taking any action to prevent the importation of arms and ammunition into China by foreign vessels, But view of the fact that such importation of war supplies is bound to increase Chinese opposition against Japan, future development compel the Japanese Government to devise more effective and suitable measures to stop all importation of arms and ammunitions into China. ce
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.