S.O
4
mensem, the chief justice 400 dollars, the officer commanding the troops 175 dollars, the attorney-general 80 dollars, but he is allowed to engage in private practice. This, in the present depressed state of trade and consequent scarcity of litigation, cannot be a very valuable privilege. One of the leading lawyers of Macao informed a friend of mine on the 23rd May that he had made exactly 10 dollars since the commencement of that month.
The Portuguese armoured cruiser "Vasco da Gama," ostensibly brought out for the protection of Portuguese interests at Macao, is unable to approach to within 2 miles of the inner harbour, so remains for the time being at Hong Kong.
A light draft river gun-boat, built by Yarrow for patrol duties in Macao waters, is now being put together in Hong Kong.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.31855
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
(32205]
No. 1.
Rece
Dag 25 SEP 09
[August 26.]
500
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 26.)
(No. 280. Confidential.) Sir,
Peking, August 6, 1909. I HAVE carefully considered, in consultation with the officer commanding the legation guard, the proposal put forward in the War Office letter annexed to your despatch No. 197 of the 10th ultimo, suggesting that the reserve of food for the legation guard and followers be raised from a three months to a six months' basis.
It is not possible to calculate with any certainty the number of refugees who might seek shelter within the legation in the event of a Chinese rising, but I concur in Colonel Anderson's opinion that the proposed increase in the reserve food supply is a reasonable precaution and would provide the necessary margin of safety.
I may add that Colonel Anderson is not of opinion that, with the existing number of troops in Peking, there need be any excessive loss by deterioration if the turnover were properly regulated.
I have, &c.
J. N. JORDAN.
0
[2391 cc-1]