NO DISH
BUT IO
Sa
Decode.
Sir M. Lampson.
(Shanghai)
June 2nd, 1927.
D.
5.35 p.m.
June 2nd, 1927.
R. 1.25 p.m. June 2nd, 1927.
No. 50. (R).
Begins:-
Your telegram No. 57.
If I may I should prefer to refrain from
expressing final opinion for the time being.
Possibility of using Boxer funds for the
purpose of indemnifying British claims has long
been in my mind; but it is difficult at the
moment to Bay on which side of balance advantage
lies. I feel we should be well advised to wait a
little and see (1) how the situation develops
here, 1.e. how far we can get the Chinese to a
reasonable frame of mind at the moment the
prospect is not encouraging, and (2) how public
opinion crystalises at home both inside and out-
side Parliament.
Prima facie I feel there is great force in
objection mumber 3. on your list. On the other
hand it seems all wrong to return this very large
sum of money to China at the very time when
legitimate British trade and private property are
being deliberately destroyed, in most cases with
official support or connivance.
I have been unable to see Tsai so far but I
have seen a friend of his whom I have known for
many years who assures me that Tsai is strongly dis-
inclined to take the ratter up as things are at
present