i
063/4942.
(M.0.1.)
sir,
SECRET.
July 1916.
484
With reference to your letter 1096 P, dated 11th January 1916, relative to the defence of Shameen, I am commanded by the Army Council to transmit copies of telegrams to and from the General officer Commanding the China Command on this subject.
I am to request, that if Sir Edward Grey concurs, the contents of the Council's cablegram of the 30th June, (No, 19006) may be communicated to the Consul General at Canton, with such instructions as may be deemed necessary to ensure such a timely evacuation of the Concession, in case of nadensity, as will involva no risk of the garrison being cut off.
The close co-operation of the Consul General with the offiser Commanding the Troops will be a most important factor in the successful execution of such an operation.
I am to add that in the opinion of the Council it is desirable that the sense of any such instructions to the Consul General should be repeated to the Governor
of Hong Kong, who should likewise inform Major-General Ventris.
A copy of this letter is being despatched to the Colonial Office and Admiralty.
I
sir,
Under Secretary of State,
Foreign office,
Your obedient Servant,
S..
Saf B.B. Eubitt.