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351
CHINA.
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Decypher.
Sir J. Jordan (Peking),
September 15th. 1915.
D. 2.10.p.m.
September 15th. 1915.
R. 3.50. p.m.
!
i
No. 219.
Secret.
My telegram No. 216.
Following to the Governor of Hongkong to-day:
"Very Secret.
Confidential.
Under instructions from His Majesty's Government I have in negotiation with certain Chinese military authori- ties for purchase through a private agent of a large quantity of munitions of war. Success of operations now depends on maintenance of secrecy during inspection and delivery of materials and this can only be secured by getting material in Chinese bottoms and under Chinese escort to Hongkong where it can be taken over by us in
safety.
Authorities concerned have accordingly arranged to move material from Yangtse ports ostensibly to Canton and have agreed that China Merchants Company steamers con- veying it shall put in at Hongkong on some excuse and so enable consignment to be detained by Hongkong Government on some technical ground.
Provided no hitch occurs in the meantime steamers in question should arrive at Hongkong September 23rd. and I am sending r. Barton to give Your Excellency full explanations of whole matter. He will arrive at Hong- kong by Peninsular and Oriental S.S."Nankin" September
21st.