[2876] 21742/P7 100 Pads 2/26 754 G & S 128
TELEGRAM.
SECRET.
From ADMIRALTY.
To
C.in C. China.
No. 659.
DATE 31.3.27.
SENT
0300.
154
OUT
1st Lord
C.N.S.
D.O.N.S.
A.C.E.S.
D.D.O.D.
D.C.
D.of P. D.N.I.
M.7.
P.
Cypher .. (0 in ).
659. Part 2. In continuation of my 658.
2. Attack of the Bogue Port covering approaches
to Canton is not at present recommendou uv it would
involve the use of troops now at Hong kong but
forming part of the Shanghai Dofence Force.
3. Any now commitment of our land forces in China should
be avoided at this juncture.
The risk of trouble at Tientein and zoking should be
reduced by measures proposed above. Increase in British
Garrison ut Tientsin is not at present recommended not-
withstanding Sir Miles Lampson's request for an
additional sattalion.
It is considered that the Japan est
should be mainly responsible for the protection of British
intorests there. British Minister should withdraw the
Legation and British interests from Peking if threaten ed
by Forces beyond the power of the Legation Jurus
to resist.
5.
Broadly it is recommended that the British shoula
be the predominent partner on the Yangtse and in South
China una the Japanese in North China the available forces of aluooperating Powers being placed at the
disposal of the predominant partner. At the present
Junoture it is desired to repeat and emphasize the
insistence laid in previous reports on the importance of
international as opposed to separute British action in
China if by any means effective cooperation can be organised. Telegraph this message to British Minister
Peking.
0300.