{
2
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.
Decypher. H.M's Consul-General
(Shanghai).
December 21st, 1926.
D.
7.50.p.m. December 21st, 1926.
R.
6.55.p.m. December 21st, 1926.
Nos. 26 and 27
-----o0o-----
Following received from ir. Lempson,kiukiang by wireless and repeated to Foreign Office,Tokyo and Hongkong
Your telegram No. 15.
At final interview with Chen yesterday morning, I read to him following statement as representing atti- tude of His Majesty's Government to his proposals:-
1. His Majesty's Government are much gratified at the frank nature of conversations as reported to them. They have greatly assisted to clear the air and show the parties where they stand.
2. They regret inability to submit counter draft formula of recognition of Nationalist government of China. Insuperable difficulties in doing so are that any such formula must either totally ignore the facts of situation or involve the splitting up of China which would be contrary, not only to the wishes of the Chinese people but also to those of the Nationalist government as stated by Chen. His formula does not overcome this difficulty and we could not hope to suc- ceed where he has failed.
3.
His Majesty's Government now wish Mr. Lampson to continue his journey but they are anxious that
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