[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Go
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
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7
[4529]
(Confidential.) Sir,
No. 1.
506
7798
[February 3.]
20 4 MAR 09 SECTION
War Office to Foreign Office.-(Received February 3.)
War Office, February 2, 1909. WITH reference to Foreign Office letters of the 24th November, 1908, and of the 6th ultimo, from which it appears that the question of an carly withdrawal of British troops from North China is one of the questions to be discussed between Sir Edward Grey and Tang-Shao-Yi on the arrival of the latter in this country, I am commanded by the Army Council to acquaint you that they consider it desirable that Sir Edward Grey should be made aware of the position of this Department as regards its commit- ments for hiring of accommodation for the troops. They accordingly beg to inclose a list of such hirings which are not terminable at short notice, in order that in any negotiations that may take place the question of the Chinese Government relieving this Department of its liabilities in the matter may be taken into consideration.
The Council would especially call attention to the Agreement entered into on the 19th September, 1908, under which this Department is committed to a payment of 12,7251. a-year for five years from the 1st June next, being rent of the two infantry barracks now occupied and supply transport, clothing and ordnance depôts in course of erection. In view of the urgent necessity for the provision of the latter accommo- dation this Agreement was entered into with Treasury sanction on the receipt of Foreign Office letter of the 5th August, 1908. The General Officer Commanding has expressed the opinion, if it is decided to withdraw the troops, he has no doubt but that the Chinese authorities would be glad to pay a sum large enough to cover the expenditure to which the War Department is committed in connection with this Agreement.
I am, &c.
[2155 c-1]
(Signed)
R. H. BRADE.
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