C.O. 377
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government 4855
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Rec? 28 APR 08
[March 17.]
SECTION 1.
[9322]
(Confidential.) Sir,
No. 1.
Admiralty to Foreign Office.--(Received March 17.)
Admiralty, March 14, 1908.
I HAVE laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the correspondence forwarded with your communication of the 26th ultimo, relative to the question of the appointment of a Naval Adviser to the Chinese Government.
My Lords note that the Viceroy of Nanking, in conversation with Sir J. Jordan, disclaimed any undertaking that, in the event of such an appointment being made, the Naval Adviser should be of British nationality.
I am to observe that at the present time six Chinese sub-lieutenants and eight Chinese midshipmen are studying in His Majesty's naval establishments and serving in His Majesty's fleet, and I am to suggest, for the consideration of the Secretary of State, that in any further representations the opportunity may be taken to impress upon the Chinese authorities the exceptional privileges which have been accorded to them, and the claim which this country has to reciprocal treatment in the appointment of a Naval Adviser.
[2895 r-1]
I am, &c.
(Signed) C. I. THOMAS.