When the Board of Trade asked the Foreign Office to request the Chinese Government to erect a lighthouse on the reef, on which Chinese sovereignty has been taken for granted.
In 1902 some correspondence took place between the Government of Hongkong and the Home authorities arising out of an enquiry addressed by the Japanese Consul at Hongkong as to whether Pratas was claimed by any Power. The Lords of the Admiralty pointed out that the atoll had from time immemorial been frequented by Chinese fishing junks during certain seasons of the year and was therefore probably considered by the Viceroy of Kuangtung to be part of his province and the officer administering the Hongkong Government was accordingly instructed to inform the Japanese Consul that, so far as His Majesty's Government were aware, the island had never been occupied by any Power but that, before any action (tending to annexation) was taken by the Japanese Government, it would be desirable to ascertain whether it was claimed by China.
Sir Edward Grey now desires, before taking any steps to protect Messrs. Newman and Wilkinson in their operations