OP I.
14392 secret
From R. E. the Officer Administering the Government.
To Rear Admiral Grenfell.
Sir,
Government House,
Hong Kong, 6th February, 1902.
With reference to my minute of 30th ultimo and your reply of the same date relative to the island of Pratas, I have the honour to thank you for the information which you were good enough to convey to me in answer to my query.
3. As it appears however from the letter from the Japanese Consul, of which I enclose a copy, that the Japanese Government appears to consider that the island might possibly be of use to them if it is not owned by any other Power, I venture to suggest that if necessary the instructions of His Majesty's Government should be obtained before this Colony takes the responsibility of informing the Consul that the British Government has no interest in the island.
3. I am prepared to telegraph for such instructions to the Colonial Office, but before doing so I should be glad to have the benefit of your opinion as to the present or potential value of the island and as to its international status.
I have etc.,
(SD). J. Gascoigne.