opy.
61176.
F674/10/23)
Sir:-
400
C.O
A
IR. AİT Y.
22474
rif 28th, 1920.
RES
REC 6 MAY 20
With reference to your letter No. F.207/10/23 of the
22nd ultimo, forwarding a copy of Colonial Office letter of
17th ultimo, respecting the necessity of lighting the Paracels
Reefs, I am commanded by my Lorde Commissioners of the
Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that they concur that
from a navigational standpoint the institution of a light
to mark these reefs and isleta is much to be desired, in
view of their situation on the main ocean route in the China
sea.
2.
I am therefore to suggest, for the consideration of Lord
Curzon, that as the Chinese Government formally annexed this
group in 1909 they might now be approached with a view to
their undertaking the lighting of these reefs. It is
recognised, however, that the question is mainly political and
must depend on how far such action can be taken by us without
offending the susceptibilities of the Japanese or causing them
to attempt to carry out the annexation that they have been
reported to be contemplating.
3.
Their Lordships note from Foreign Office letter of the
6th instant that it is not propreed to take any action as
regarde calling the attention of the French Government to the
reported intention of Japan to occupy the group.
he Under Secretary of State,
FOREIGN OFFICE.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) V. W. Baddeley.
7