ta
*
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5.
64
notify the Chinese Government of the Hongkong Government's decision and that the latter consider themselves under no obligation to renew the negotiations, at all events in their present form, at a later date. June 16th 1919: Sir J. Jord-n to "oreign Office Fds. Copy of above despatch and of correspondence with "ai Chiao Pu and states that in view of "is Lajesty's Government's acceptance of agrement having beer. corrunic ted to Wai Chiao Pu and of similer acceptance by Chinese Government Sir J.Jordan does not feel justified in conveying Hongkong" i
decision to i iso Pu without further instructions from Foreign
¡
Office.
A
A copy of this despatch was sent to Hon kong.
July 23rd, 1913: Fr. Severn to ir Jordan Fds. copy of letter to Colonial Office expressing the view that an agreement rainly affecting the South of China, but negotiated in Peking would be inef- fective under present circumstances. If for no other reason this is quite sufficient to justify Hongkong's desire to withdraw from nag
negotiations.
amant 23rd.1919; Colonial Office to Foreign Office: states that the former propose to await a report from the new "overnor of Hon, kong. Sir. Stubb, before deciding on their policy.
20
February 10th 19: Sir R. Stubbs to Colonial Office: Concurs
entirely with Lr.Severn's views. Gives further recons gainst signa-
ture of agreement, lying mecial stress on the fact that it would rently increase the cost of foodstuff to the poorer section of the
Colony's population.
April 26th 1920: Foreign Office to H.. Minister: Requests observe
tions on a despatch from the Colonial Office, dated April 17th, 1920,
in which Lord Milner concure with Sir A. Stubbs in decision not to
proceed with agreement.
Uctober 1st. 1920; Mr. Clive to Sir R. Stubbs: Telegram:Suggests
that in view of Conference of British Chambers of Commerce to be held
early in November steps should be taken to ascertain views of British
merchants in China on the question of the proposed agreement.
November 10th, 1920: Sir R. Stubbs to Ir. Clive: Replies to above. (Too late for reference of question to the Conference: Would be glad
of