to Sir. E. Salons. Working. F.O. 6. h.m. 13. Feb. 1904
Vol. No. 42.
We have to consider at once the question of disposal of crews of two Russian vessels who are now on board [HMS] destroyed at Chefoo by British, French and Italian men of war in the harbour.
The Japanese Govt. are willing that they should be sent to Shanghai provided they guarantee that the men take no further part in hostilities, or be sent to any place north of Shanghai until the conclusion of the war.
Would Chinese Govt. be willing that the men should be landed at Shanghai in charge of Consul General, and what is your opinion of this course being objectionable from the point of view of our interests there?
The total numbers are 29 officers and 672 men including Japanese wounded.