161
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government. Co
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[12145]
No. 1.
14358
[April 3
MAY I
SECTION 2.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey,--(Received April 3.)
(No. 117.) Sir,
Peking, March 14, 1911. I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith the translation of the note from the Chinese Government the substance of which I communicated to you in my telegram No. 73 of the 12th instant, in which they reject the proposal to recognise the Irrawaddy- Salween watershed as the general line of the undelimited frontier between Burmah and Yünnan.
In my above-mentioned telegram I have already offered my observations on the alternative proposals now put forward by the Chinese Government.
I have, &c.
J. N. JORDAN.
Enclosure in No. 1.
Wai-wu Pu to Sir J. Jordan.
Sir,
March 11, 1911. AT an interview on the 18th ultimo on the subject of the Burmah-Yunnan frontier, your Excellency stated that the watershed was really the natural frontier line, and that if China would accept this as a basis for a frontier, then the withdrawal of the troops could be considered, after which officials could be sent to delimitate. You further stated that England was quite prepared to consider the payment of compensation for the properties within the jurisdiction of native chieftains to the west of the watershed, or to grant an equivalent in other portions of the frontier.
In previous communications my Board has already explained our reasons for insisting that His Majesty's Government should withdraw its troops and the proofs on which we base our claim that the native villages in that district are under Chinese jurisdiction, and we need not repeat them.
Your Excellency's present proposal is no doubt prompted by the idea of mutual concession, but the Chinese Governinent, as a result of their investigations in the district in question, consider that the Kao Liang Kung range is really the natural frontier; all the native chieftainates which it comprises have always been under Chinese jurisdiction, and so in accordance with law and justice they should remain in the area subject to China, and this will avoid the necessity for giving territorial compensation elsewhere. which could not but give rise to most serious difficulties.
In the view of the Chinese Government, therefore, any reference to a watershed must without the slightest doubt mean the Kao Liang Kung range. But if His Majesty's Government insist on their view, the only way of finding a way to reconcile our conflicting views or an alternative means of avoiding injury to both countries is for both Governments to appoint special officers to investigate and decide on a basis for a frontier. In view of the present action of His Majesty's Government in stationing troops of their own accord in territory which China has not yet agreed to cede, even if the Chinese Government were willing to make an exceptional compromise, in accordance with strict justice it would be extremely difficult to do so.
I must therefore continue to insist that His Majesty's Government should consent to the withdrawal of the troops and to the appointment by each country of high officials
to proceed to examine carefully on the spot the contentions of both sides, and draw up
a report on which the two Governments can decide on a basis for the frontier which it is hoped will satisfy both countries.
The unexplored country to the north could also be examined at the same time in order to provide material for a future delimitation.
The above would provide a satisfactory way of settling this boundary question,
(1974 c-2]