13
36 Gov Fel
3 Ang
(urges action to make char that
no further
encroachment
пи
Thaty right
will be toleated)
I have transferred this correspondence
to the file dealing with general policy in China since it obviously raises issues of the first
not convenient
importance, and it is ausmann that it should
continue to be dealt with in the file in which we
circulate our daily batch of telegrams.
,
I sent an advance copy of the Governo.'s telegram to Mr. Moun sey and have since spoken to
him with reference to Sir M. Lamson's suggestion
at the end of his telegram No. 1213 attached. Sir M. Lampson is making a firm stand, but at
present I am afraid has succeeded rather in annoy-
ing the Foreign Office than in convincing them.
He appears to have read Foreign Office telegram
No. 488 as an instruction rather than a suggestion;
he then appeals to them to go slow, and produces
some very good arguments against their proposals;
but he finally contradicts himself by urging
immediate action with regard to the increased
tonnage dues. The Foreign Office observe on this
point, firstly that Sir M. Lampson previously
rejected the action which he now proposes and
gives no reason for his change of attitude, and
secondly that there can be no more reason for
plunging into the fray over the tonnage dues without ascertaining the attitude of the other powers than for doing so in the case of the increased import duties.
This criticism is not,
I