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(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
46
32445
AFFAIRS OF CHINA,
CONFIDENTIAL.
Reeb
[July 10.]
Red 10 SEP 07
SECTION 4.
[22843]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 10.)
(No. 135. Confidential.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, July 10, 1907. WITH reference to your telegram No. 29 of the 14th March last on the subject of an Opium Commission of Inquiry, I have the honour to inform you that the Wai-wu Pu stated yesterday, in a note to the United States' Minister, that "China is not yet aware of the methods which will be followed in making this investigation, and has therefore no definite proposition which she can consider, and to which she can reply."
The Board's note was in reply to a letter of the 22nd ultimo from the Minister, inviting China's adhesion to the proposed Commission.
[22876]
No. 2.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 10.)
(No. 136.) (Telegraphic.) P.
PIRACY on West River.
Peking, July 10, 1907.
I have received a report from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton, to the effect that on the 6th instant another piratical attack was made on a British launch 9 miles or so from Canton. There were no lives lost. The losses of launch, crew, and passengers amount to about 400 dollars in all. His Majesty's Consul-General requests my support in pressing energetically for immediate payment by Chinese authorities of claim preferred. In my reply I have authorized Mr. Mansfield to pursue this course, and I have addressed a note to the Wai-wu Pu, in which I have stated that I shall be compelled to place the case in the hands of His Majesty's Government unless immediate steps are taken for the arrest of the pirates and the satisfaction of the claim.
I am of opinion that vigorous action is justified on this occasion by the persistent neglect of the Chinese Government to enforce the scheme reported in my despatch No. 208 of the 1st May.
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