59
C.C.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
37616
AFFAIRS OF CHINA,
CONFIDENTIAL.
[32848]
No. 1.
Rece 16 OCT 08 [September 21.]
SECTION 6.
Verbal and Confidential Communication by Count Mutsu, September 21, 1908.
(Strictly Confidential.)
THE Imperial Government having learnt the views of His Majesty's Government regarding the question of withdrawing troops from Chihli, and being desirous of acting in harmony with them as far as possible, will refrain from taking the initiative in proposing it to the Powers.
In view, however, of the present situation in North China, which renders it unnecessary to retain a large number of troops in that locality, the Imperial Government have come to the decision, with the object of curtailing expense, to reduce the number of their troops stationed in that part of China and to withdraw the majority of them, retaining but a small number in Peking and at certain other points. They intend to give effect to this plan ere long, and in due course of time to make it the subject of an official communication to the Powers interested.
It is hardly necessary to add that the above plan of the Imperial Government is merely to reduce the number of their troops, and, as to the main question of the evacuation, they will in the future, as they have done in the past, exchange views with the British Government, and will take due steps.
September 21, 1908.
(1933-6)