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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government/3
341 24 D 09
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[December 13.]
SECTION 1.
[45215]
(No. 435.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 13.)
Peking, November 26, 1909,
IN my despatch No. 170 of the 8th May last, I stated the reasons which made it inexpedient for me to approach the Chinese Government at that time regarding the erection of a wireless telegraph station on the Pratas Islands, and I added that I might possibly find a suitable opportunity later on of submitting Sir Frederick Lugard's suggestion to the favourable consideration of the Wai-wu Pu.
Sir Frederick Lugard having reverted to the subject in a despatch which I received on the 24th October last I consulted my Japanese colleague, and enquired whether, as the Pratas Islands difficulty bad apparently been settled with Japan, he had any objection to the proposal. Mr. Ijuin telegraphed to Tokyo, and in due course assured me that there was no objection on the part of the Japanese Government.
In these circumstances, it appeared to me unnecessary to refer to you for instructions, and a memorandum of the 19th instant, copy of which is enclosed,” I accordingly submitted the proposal to the Wai-wu Pu, and at an interview on the same day I supplemented this by a verbal explanation of all the circumstances which told in favour of the undertaking.
In their reply of the 25th November, copy of which is likewise enclosed, the Wai-wu Pu inform me that the matter was referred to the consideration of the Board of Communications, and that the Viceroy of Canton has been instructed to make the necessary arrangements without delay.
I am forwarding a copy of this despatch to the Governor of Hong Kong.
I have, &c.
J. N. JORDAN.
To Wai-wu Pu, November 19, 1909.
† Wai-wu Pu, November 25, 1909.
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