This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
Page 376.16
49
15 OCT 08
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[32847]
No. 1.
[September 21.]
SECTION 5.
Verbal and Confidential Communication by Count Mutsu, September 21, 1908.
(Strictly Confidential.)
THE German Ambassador in Tôkiô, under instructions of his Government, called on Count Komura the other day and discussed the question of withdrawing troops from Chihli, China, with the exception of those stationed in Peking.
As will be remembered, the German Government made to the Powers a proposal to withdraw the troops in 1905, and the latter agreed on principle, but, owing to some difference of opinion as to the procedure of withdrawal and on other minor points, it has not until now been carried out.
Still maintaining the same views on the subject, the German Government now ask whether the Japanese Government would still agree to the withdrawal, and, if so, would they be disposed to take the initiative at this juncture in proposing it to the Powers concerned.
The Imperial Government have given to the question their close attention. In view of the fact that the situation in North China has undergone no change since the former occasion, when they concurred in the proposal to withdraw the troops, so as to justify them to alter now their previous decision, they find no necessity for continuing to retain the troops in Chihli, excepting the Legation guards in Peking, and, therefore, that they also see no objection to making the proposal at this juncture, as suggested.
As, however, they have always acted in concert with the British Government throughout in this matter, the Imperial Government are desirous of learning the views of His Majesty's Government on the subject prior to replying to the German Ambassador.
September 7, 1908.
[1933]
-5]
Page 376.17
(empty page content, as original text does not provide further information)
was removed and re-adjusted to
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
Page 376.16
49
15 OCT 08
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[32847]
No. 1.
[September 21.]
SECTION 5.
Verbal and Confidential Communication by Count Mutsu, September 21, 1908.
(Strictly Confidential.)
THE German Ambassador in Tôkiô, under instructions of his Government, called on Count Komura the other day and discussed the question of withdrawing troops from Chihli, China, with the exception of those stationed in Peking.
As will be remembered, the German Government made to the Powers a proposal to withdraw the troops in 1905, and the latter agreed on principle, but, owing to some difference of opinion as to the procedure of withdrawal and on other minor points, it has not until now been carried out.
Still maintaining the same views on the subject, the German Government now ask whether the Japanese Government would still agree to the withdrawal, and, if so, would they be disposed to take the initiative at this juncture in proposing it to the Powers concerned.
The Imperial Government have given to the question their close attention. In view of the fact that the situation in North China has undergone no change since the former occasion, when they concurred in the proposal to withdraw the troops, so as to justify them to alter now their previous decision, they find no necessity for continuing to retain the troops in Chihli, excepting the Legation guards in Peking, and, therefore, that they also see no objection to making the proposal at this juncture, as suggested.
As, however, they have always acted in concert with the British Government throughout in this matter, the Imperial Government are desirous of learning the views of His Majesty's Government on the subject prior to replying to the German Ambassador.
September 7, 1908.
[1933
-5]