0.
768
715
Telegram from Sir C. MacDonald, Tokio, to Foreign Of-
fice, No.16 dated March 25th 1909.
C.O.
Island of Pratas.
10930
Rece REGO 30 MAR 09,
A telegram has been received from Governor of Hongkong
inquiring whether Chinese sovereign rights over island are
recognised by Japan; bad feeling and possible boycott
would, he mentions, be allayed by a statement to that effect.
I have sent following reply.
Please refer to your telegram of yesterday. As soon
as China can prove she has any sovereign rights to the is-
land Japanese Government are perfectly willing to recognise
them. Although asserting no claim to the island Japan is
ready to safeguard lawful interests of her subjects if any
party which cannot prove a valid title to the island attempts
to interfere with Japanese commercial operations. The pro-
tection of Japanese subjects engaged in lawful pursuits will
devolve on whatever Power proves such title.
Above coincides practically with line we took in May
1908 vide Colonial Office letter to Foreign Office of May
30th and to Peking.
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