London, Dec. 25.
The King's message to the merchant navy, broadcast at midnight on Christmas eve, said:
"It has not been possible for me to send a Christmas card to each member of the British Merchant Navy Pearl River Reopened Partially to Shipping Hongkong, Dec. 26.
According to information from Japanese official circles today, the Pearl River, which was closed to all navigation on December 17, was reopened yesterday. The same conditions which prevailed before December 17 were restored.—Domei. and fishing fleet, as I have done to members of the fighting forces, because our ships are so widely scattered over the seven seas. Insicad I ud h cne of you this personal Christmas message of goodwill and g special perils, surround seamen, with coolness, courage, fortitude, which are the admiration of all at home, and I know I speak not only for myself but for all your fellow countrymen when I wish you a happy Christmas."—Wireless through Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.