[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
From
CHINA.
Decypher.
Sir M. Lampson, (Peking),
1st March 1929.
D.
1.50 p.m.
1st March 1929.
R.
9.00 a.m.
1st March 1929.
No. 175.
My telegram No. 125.
The matter camo before the whole Corps Diplomatique
on February 26th. With the exception of Japan there
secmed general agreement that the embargo might now
reasonably bo terminated, French Chargé d'Affaires
however had instructions that it might be suspended
rather than terminated until situation was clearer.
I felt bound to express personal opinion that
suspension, though at first sight attractive, seemed to
have practical difficulties: it would I imagined enteil
repeal of our subordinate legislation end possibly latCT
re-introduction: moreover it would be very awkward to
explain mere suspension to Nanking. Senior Minister
thought it would be very difficult to get embargo re-
introduced.
The question now is whether we go ahead independent.
ly of Japan. My feeling is that we might use events in
Shantung as a pretext to suspend consideration, This
will (group anitted) Japan a little longer to come to
terms with China over Shantung etc: but if in say a
month's time Japan still maintains her attitude we
should state definitely that we propose to terminate
forthwith.
Please instruct me.
Meanwhile