(2)
His Majesty's Government
the Powers so acting.
consider this argument is greatly strengthened by
the fact that in the event of a further note being
despatched to Chen it would in any case be signed
only by four out of the five Powers who presented
the first note, and the presentation of such a note
would therefore be a clear indication of fresh
disunion among the Powers themselves.
You should at once inform your four colleagues
of these decisions and add that His Majesty's
Government reserve to themselves full liberty of
action as to the future, and in particular in res-
pect of any further outrages which may be perpetra-
ted on the British flag, British nationals and
British property.
Repeat to Tokyo, Shanghai for Commander-in-
Chief, Hankow.
Ropested to Washington No. 231, Paris (by bag)
No. 115 and home No. 140.
188
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