which forms the first Enclosure to this despatch. I agree with Vice Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge, that the possession of this island by the Japanese government could do no possible harm, and that on the contrary it is perhaps better that they should have it than anyone else.
From the Consul for Japan at Hong Kong.
To the Honourable the Colonial Secretary,
Japanese Consulate, Hong Kong, 23rd January, 1902.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Try Gascoigne Major General Administering the government.
Sir,
Being instructed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Government to enquire and ascertain whether an uninhabited island named Prates, which is situated in Latitude 20° 42' 3" North and Longitude 116° 48' 14" East of Greenwich, has already been acquired by a certain Power whose sovereignty over the island is universally recognised or not, and to assure this fact is with a mere object of carrying out fishery in the coast of the Island by a Japanese fishing association; I have the honour to request you to be so good as to confidentially furnish me, if possible, with any information on the subject.
I have etc.,
(Ed.).
The Right Honourable
Joseph Chamberlain
Downing Street.