C.O.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[16420]
No. 1.
25671
54
R. 16 JUL 08
[May 12.]
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 12.)
(No. 97.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, May 12, 1908.
MACAO. I have asked His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton to supply me with all information at his disposal, as the facts are not sufficiently well known here to enable me to reply to your inquiries in your telegram No. 79 of the 8th instant.
It would seem, however, that the Portuguese are inclined to exaggerate the matter somewhat.
The Portuguese territory has never been defined, and all the attempts that have been made since the 1887 Protocol and Treaty to arrive at an understanding on that question have hitherto failed. In this case the Chinese maintain that the troops are on Chinese soil, and they deny either that Portuguese territory has been violated or that they have any intention of doing so. Meanwhile this question would seem to hinge on what evidence Portugal can produce as to the territory she actually occupied at the time the above Treaty was concluded.
As regards the contraband traffic, the Portuguese Minister has stated verbally to the Wai-wu Pu that orders prohibiting all trade in arms have been sent to Macao. He has been asked to put this statement into writing - a not unnatural request, in view of the previous experience the Chinese have had of Portuguese procedure at Macao.
(Confidential.)
Admiral Moore is in a better position than myself to furnish you with an accurate report on the conditions prevailing in Macao. I may say, however, that the venality of the Colonial Secretary, Lello, is a matter of public knowledge, while the population consists largely of half-breeds, who live upon the proceeds of vice.
[16430]
No. 2.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 12.)
(No. 98.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, May 12, 1908.
MACAO. Please see my telegram No. 97 of to-day's date. From the telegraphic report I have just received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton it would appear that nothing is known of the matter at that place. Even the Portuguese Consul-General was in ignorance.
Mr. Mansfield was able, however, to obtain some information from Macao, but it is hard to ascertain any facts, as the strictest secrecy is being maintained.
As regards the alleged revolution at Honan Tun, mentioned in your telegram No. 73 of the 2nd instant, it would seem that no such revolution exists. Mr. Mansfield suggests that Honan Tun may be the name of the place in Hainan where a small missionary riot occurred.
Voncan Island was occupied by a force of Chinese troops a few days ago. Their number is not supposed to exceed 400. This island, the ownership of which has always been a bone of contention between Portugal and China, lies 4 miles south of Macao.
Mr. Mansfield further reports the resignation of the Governor of Macao. It is presumed that this is the consequence of differences of opinion between him and the Portuguese Government as to the action to be taken in the matter in question. He is leaving for Europe shortly, sailing from Hong Kong on the 15th of this month.
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