This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA,
CONFIDENTIAL.
[26238]
No. 1.
[August 5.]
SECTION 2.
Sir,
Foreign Office to War Office.
Foreign Office, August 5, 1908.
I HAVE laid before Secretary Sir Edward Grey your letter of the 27th ultimo, inquiring whether, in his opinion, the evacuation of North China by the British forces there stationed is likely to take place before the end of the year 1913.
In reply I am to inform you that Sir E. Grey regrets that he is unable to add anything to his letter of the 13th March, 1907, on this subject, which was to the effect that the British forces in North China could not safely be withdrawn at that time, and that it was impossible to foreshadow the approximate date of withdrawal.
I am to add that His Majesty's Minister at Peking, when last consulted on the matter, was decidedly averse to the withdrawal of the troops, and pointed out the possibility that a grave crisis might arise in the event of the death or abdication of the Dowager Empress.
The Army Council will readily understand that it is impossible to forecast what may happen in China in either of those eventualities.
A copy of your letter under reply will, however, be sent to His Majesty's Minister at Peking, with the request that he will furnish his views on the subject.
I am, &c. (Signed) F. A. CAMPBELL.
[1905 e-2]
313