(2)
Original Canton object was to obtain control
over Chinese office at Hongkong and they may of
course go back on accepting alternative of its
removal. Provided however they do not do so and
that request for removal can be made to come from
the Cantonese, as local de facto Government, I
submit (a) that company and His Majesty's Government
cannot be charged with violation of 1884 agreement
b) that there is no reason why removal should
prejudice maintenance of company's offices at
Southem ports now under Nationalist control and
(c) that company's negotiations here being suspended
will not be prejudiced.
His Majesty's Consul-General further urges
desirability of our showing our willingness to meet
Canton wishes wherever we are able to do so.
I concur and I request instructions.
Addressed to Foreign Office, repeated to
Hongkong, Canton.
95