O
360
FILES CHLY.
Paraphrase.
Sir J.Jordan (Peking),
November 23rd.
D. 9.30 p.m.
November 23rd, 1917.
R. 9.30 p.m.
I
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No 565
Have telegraphed to-day as follows to
Governor Hong Kong Begins.
With reference to my telegram of November 20th, am informed by Wai-u-pu that squadron consist- ing of "Chaoho", "Yingjui", "Haijung". "Haichou", "Tungchi", "Chienkang", "Chiangheng" and "Chutung" in addition to transport "Chingan" all now cruising in Fukien and Canton waters will pass Hong Kong and may require to buy provisions, coal, stores etc. at Hong Kong.
In the event of any of these ships calling
at Hong Kong I presume there can be no objection to their procuring supplies etc, in usual way and
I propose so to inform Chinese Government. But it is I think advisable that we should not allow Hong Kong to be openly made a base for Naval operations against Canton and that we should avoid as far as possible antagonising either side in present state of Chinese Public opinion which is strongly opposed to any forcible solution of differences between North and
South
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