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(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.T
REC
7198
Red 14 AUG 09
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[28359]
No. 1.
[July 26.]
SECTION 1.
(No. 124.)
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
Foreign Office, July 26, 1909.
(Telegraphic.) P.
MACAO boundary dispute. The Portuguese Minister informs me that it appears from telegrams received from General Machado at Hong Kong, that the Chinese commissioner has taken up an entirely uncompromising attitude, and refuses even to discuss the boundary question. The Portuguese Government point out that if the Chinese Government persist in this attitude matters will return to the acute phase of a few weeks ago, and the result will be that His Majesty's Government will be obliged formally to intervene. They there- fore ask that we may exert all the pressure we can.
You should represent to the Chinese Government that, though they have our entire support in their efforts to induce the Portuguese to accept and observe any arrangements necessary for the suppression of smuggling, we are, by reason of our treaty obligations towards Portugal, most anxious for a settlement to be reached on the boundary question.
[2353 cc-
-1]