03
TELEGRAM.
From Admiralty
To Commander-in-Chief, China.
Dated 16th November,
1926.
land
Following instructions have been received by Admiralty
from H.M.Government.
(Begins). Reference telegram from Governor of Hong Kong of 16th November and 1252/16 from G.0.C.HongKong information given is insufficient. Unless women are
British it is not for us to act. It is assumed the
women are on shore and in this case it appears almost certain that, at first sign of landing party, they will be taken inland or murdered and that landing party may
become seriously engaged with little if any chance of
effecting rescue. On general grounds it is most
undesirable we should become engaged in fresh operations
which, although directed against pirates, would cause us
to be deeper involved with Chinese. Landing should
not take place unless firstly women are British, secondly 7 have exhausted all means for rescue by nego-
Jo
tiation including offer of ransom, thirdly we are
satisfied that rescue can be successfully carried out
without involving forces in dangerously prolonged or extended operations (enda) Inform Minister Paking and
Governor Hong Kong.