Confidential.
Sir,
Government House, Hongkong,
March 13th 1902.
I have the honour to transmit for your consideration correspondence relating to the value and international status of an island named Pratas. It is about 170 miles south-east of Hongkong, practically on the direct route to Manila, and it affords shelter to Chinese fishermen.
The island, which is about one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, appears to be uninhabited.
2. I shall be glad to be informed, by telegraph if necessary, whether the Government desires to take any steps with reference to this island, and I have also to ask for instructions as to the answer I should give to the letter from the Consul for Japan.
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