[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
CHINA,
Decode.
Mr. Palairet, (Peking).
24th June 1925.
D.
11.20 p.m. 24th June 1925.
R. 9.0 a.m. 25th June 1925.
No. 159. (R).
102
I have just returned from an hour's interview
with chief of executive to whom I handed a translation of
your telegram No.109 emphasizing it with all arguments
in my power, I warned His Excellency that Chinese
government must not imagine His Majesty's Government
would be induced by this agitation to adopt a more favour- able attitude towards China, but that it would have a
contrary effect. He assured me that he had done all in
his power to suppress anything that could be regarded as outside the law, but that he could not run counter to public opinion. I replied that every government was able to exert its influence to prevent such a campaig of lies as was now going on against Great Britain; and I told him that reports from practically all Consuls showed that agitation was spreading. If he valued friendship of Great Britain he must do what he could to stop it.
It is impossible to wring from Chinese government any admission that they have been at fault, but I hope your warning may have some effect.
His chier secretary is reported in papers this morning to have announced to a deputation that Chinese government are preparing to sever economic relationu with Great Britain, I asked him what this extraordinary and most serious statement meant. He denied he had authorised it (though not that it had been made) and promised to issue a démenti.
Secretary of Minister for Foreign Affairs brought me this afternoon a note (addressed to all interested representatives here) asking us to submit to our govern- ments request for revision of treaties and removal of extra-territorial rights. This is of course meant to placate students.