℗ 2562/949/25.
sir.
224
POREIGN OFFICE,
B.F.1.
8th July, 1926.
With reference to your letter No. 12210/1926 of
June 23rd last, enclosing a despatch from the Governor
of Hongkong on the subject of Japanese policy in China.
I am directed by Secretary Sir Austen Chamberlain to state,
for the information of Mr. Becretary Amery, that he sonours
in the proposal that Tokyo despatch No. 33 of January 26th
last, should be went to Sir C. Clementi. Copies are
enclosed accordingly.
2. Sir Austen Chamberlain concure generally in Sir
C. Eliot's appreciation of the present position. On the
other hand, he finds himself unable to accept certain of
the conclusions drawn by Sir C. Clementi. He does not
consider, for example, that Japan has pursued a policy of
fomenting civil war in China, only since the Anglo-Japanese
alliance has been terminated. This policy in fact was
more marked before the end of the alliance, when, for
instance, the Japanese encouraged the movement against
Yuan Shi-kai in 1915 and 1916.
It seems very doubtful,
Moreover, whether Japan would willingly foster a movement
having any commnist tendency. Both for domestic reasons
of her own, and because it implies an increase in Russian
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
influence