[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 439
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CO
8193
[February 13.]
CONFIDENTIAL.
P.
[5366]
No. L.
SECTION 94 MAR
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 13.)
(No. 35.) Sir,
Peking, January 25, 1911, WITH reference to my despatch No. 27 of the 17th instant, I have the honour to transmit herewith the translation of a further note from the Chinese Government, stating that the Viceroy of Yüunan has reported that the Barmah-China frontier has been crossed by British troops in the region of the Hsiao Chiang, and urging that, if the report be true, the force be withdrawn at once, in order to facilitate an amicable settlement.
My telegram No. 19 of to-day to you summarised the contents of this communi- cation.
I have, &c.
Enclosure in No. 1.
J. N. JORDAN.
(Translation.) Sir,
Wai-wu Pu to Sir J. Jordan.
January 24, 1911. WITII reference to the Burmah-Yünnan frontier, I have already addressed a note to your Excellency, stating that until this question has been definitely decided the frontier officials should be instructed to adhere to the northern course of the IIsiao Chiang as the frontier at present observed, and on no account to dispatch troops across it in order to avoid any untoward occurrence,
I have not yet received any reply to this note, but the Viceroy of Yüunan and Kueichow now reports by telegraph that he has heard that the frontier has been crossed by British troops.
Now Pien-ma is certainly under Chinese jurisdiction, being within the Hsiao Chiang (line) in territory administered by our native chieftains, and the question of a basis for the frontier not having been definitely decided, it is inconceivable that the British officials in Burmah should take any such action.
I have the honour to address your Excellency accordingly in order that you may communicate with His Majesty's Government, and inform them that if this is really the case, the troops must be withdrawn at once in order to facilitate an amicable settlement.
Awaiting an early reply, 1 avail, &c.
[1909 n-1]