Japanese Admiralty to British Admiralty. November 7, 1914.
Secret and Private.
‘Japanese Admiralty give their consent generally to strategical scheme proposed and beg to withdraw the proposal of November 6, put forward through Admiral Oguri to the British War Staff. Measures will be taken in vicinity of Sumatra and Dutch East Indies as asked. First Southern Squadron will be dispatched to Fiji, but Japanese Admiralty think that it may be necessary for them to extend their sphere of operations to the Marquesas Islands. With reference to the movements of the Hizen and Asama, Japanese Admiralty will carry out your wishes as far as possible, bearing in mind necessity of watching the Geier until her (? disposition) is settled, but the Hizen will be dispatched at once.
‘With reference to the Hizen, Asama and Idzumo, Japanese Admiralty request British Admiralty to make arrangements necessary for their supply of coal, etc.’
Meanwhile it had been necessary to provide, as far as possible, for the safety of the surviving ships of Admiral Cradock’s squadron and to move the reinforcing ships.
Admiralty to H.M.S. Kent.
(November 4, 1914.)
Urgent. Proceed to the Abrolhos Rocks with all dispatch and communicate via Rio. It is intended you shall join Admiral Stoddart’s squadron.
Admiralty to Rear-Admiral Stoddart, Carnarvon.
(November 4, 1914.)