3.
489
PARAPHRASE OF ISLEGRAM UNKUMBAR D
DATED JULY S76, PROM MA, CLIVE (PEKING)
CONFIDENTIAL.
With reference to despatch No. 217 from you and your telegram No. 212.
I am of opinion, after making enquiries on the subject, that one may with safety take it for granted that vessels mentioned in telegram No. 116 from Peking were never sent.
If I may have authorization to approach Chinese Government on the subject of lighting reefs I think it quite likely they will undertake the work and thus the question of sovereignty:will be most easily settled. Maritime Customs would then be responsible and the undertaking could be accomplished fairly soon and with- out arousing suspicion.
I will not discuss matter even in confidence with A/Insp, General of Customs until I hear further from you.