This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
AFFAIRS OF CHINA,
C.O. 379 28301
REC
R 4 AUG 08 [May 13.]
CONFIDENTIAL.
[16552]
(No. 99.) (Telegraphic.) P. MACAO
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey (Received May 13.)
SECTION 2.
Peking, May 13, 1908.
In continuation of my telegram No. 98 of yesterday's date, I have the honour to repeat a further telegram which I have to-day received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton, as follows:—
"I am assured that the Viceroy was entirely ignorant of the landing of Chinese troops on Voncan Island until he was informed of the fact yesterday by the Wai-wu Pu. Nothing has been heard of any revolution in the district, and the Viceroy has accordingly taken steps to ascertain the reasons for the dispatch of the troops. It is asserted that the object in view is the prevention of smuggling, and that the troops are distributed on the mainland in the neighbourhood of the Portuguese territory.
"The present incident is not unprecedented, both China and Portugal having landed troops some years ago, and finally withdrawn them simultaneously by mutual consent.
"In my opinion, the Viceroy would like in the present instance to avoid trouble with the Portuguese as far as possible; at any rate, such would seem to be his attitude so far."
[16565]
No. 2.
(No. 100.)
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 13.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
BOYCOTT of Japanese goods.
Peking, May 13, 1908.
In continuation of my telegram No. 93 of the 6th May, I have the honour to repeat to you the following telegram from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton. I should add that I have informed the Japanese Minister, and, in accordance with Mr. Mansfield's advice, have suggested that the "Tatsu Maru" claims should be presented without delay.
Canton telegram No. 15 of the 13th May:-
"A Hong Kong paper had received from London a telegraphic report of the instructions you were to send to me respecting the boycott, and I did not, therefore, consider it advisable to interview the Viceroy personally on the subject. I have seen his Secretary, however, and have suggested privately that the popular movement might die out were the native press to be unostentatiously gagged. I drew attention to the expression 'the country's shame' which has been used by the press in this connection, and pointed out that such language, implying a censure on the Imperial Government, tended to excite revolutionary feeling.
"In my opinion, the Viceroy would like to put an end to the boycott, but is at a loss as to what measures to adopt.
"I would suggest that the 'Tatsu Maru' claims, which have as yet not been presented, should be handed in immediately and with all possible secrecy.”
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