[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 678
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
[November 30.]
CONFIDENTIAL.
[42130]
No. 1.
SECTION 1.
C.0
47047
¡REC" X.
(No. 388.) Sir,
Sir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.
Foreign Office, November 30 RE023 DEC 08
COUNT BENCKENDORFF was instructed to make to me a verbal communication from M. Isvolsky.
He let me read the communication, which was to the effect that the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires had informed M. Isvolsky that, several Representatives having made inquiries as to the view of the Japanese Government regarding events in China, the Japanese Government wished to say that they did not expect there would be any occasion for intervention; but, should there be any such occasion, Japan would certainly adhere to the policy upon which she was agreed with other Powers, and she would do nothing without first consulting them.
M. Isvolsky in his reply had said that, according to his information, intervention was not likely to be necessary, but he expressed very special pleasure at the views and intentions of the Japanese Government.
I told Count Benckendorff that we had received a communication of this kind; but then we had not received any alarming news from China, and had not thought it necessary to make any inquiries from the Japanese Government.
Count Benckendorff expressed himself as puzzled by this communication from the Japanese; apparently it was not in answer to any inquiries from the Russian Government. He thought it must somehow be connected with the Arrangement between Japan and the United States.
I said that I had been informed a very few days ago that an Arrangement was almost completed; but I did not recall any other communication from the Japanese since the death of the Dowager Empress of China.
I have since told Count Benckendorff that on the 19th instant Sir C. MacDonald did telegraph that Count Komura was not apprehensive about affairs in China, that the Japanese Government were anxious that the status quo should not be disturbed, and should trouble arise they would act in concert with the Powers.
I had forgotten this communication when speaking to him before.
I am, &c. (Signed) E. GREY.
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