Put By. We should write back at once and point out that this is the first that we have heard of what transpired; but have no opinion on what we regard as impertinence during the construction of the line from Hongkong to Canton.
FOR USE IN
EASTERN No. 8
COLONIAL
OFFICE
Confidential.
Sir:-
40901 716
FOREIGN OFFICE,
December 2nd, 1904.
Mr Lucas
It appears that the despatch of Feb 23/04 was sent to us in the ample prints with 3 folios attached to 15178/one, but not otherwise, & we do not seem to have appreciated its significance.
I think we must regret that it is very unsatisfactory.
Put By C.P.L.
13
With reference to your letter 38877/1904 of the 16th ultimo, I am directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to state to you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that His Majesty's Minister at Peking reported on the 23rd of February last that his Portuguese Colleague had informed him that the real reason for postponing the ratification of the Treaty concluded between Portugal and China on October 22nd, 1902, and February 23rd, 1904, was that it would have deprived him of a trump card in his negotiations for the projected railway from Macao to Canton. Copies of the despatch from Sir E. Satow, reporting the Portuguese Minister's statement, and of the despatch forwarding the text of the Treaty referred to, are enclosed herewith, for convenience of reference.
Enquiry was made of Sir E. Satow by telegraph as to ... by the Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office.
Page 720
Page 721