[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.]
31
From
CHINA.
Decode.
Sir M. Lampson.
(Peking).
October 25th, 1929.
D.
3.50 p.m.
October 25th, 1929.
R. 10.50 a.m.
October 25th, 1929.
No. 846.
(R).
My telegram No. 834.
Hongkong customs agreement.
I have received somewhat abrupt and menacingly
worded telegram from Minister for Foreign Affairs
dated October 21st stating that he hopes that Chinese
amendment will satisfy Hongkong and that if amendment
is not accepted customs must introduce strong preven-
tive measures which may cause friction and misunder-
standing. He asks me to represent the above to you.
My impression is that Nanking are afraid that
smended draft may not offer sufficient attractions to
Hongkong end are trying to rush His Majesty's
Government into acceptance.
I have sent verbal reply through Mr. Aveling
that the whole position is now under consideration
by His Majesty's Government and will be judged on its
merits and not on basis of Wang's implicit threats.
I have informed Hongkong.