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there was something in the argument that, as China had
declared its intention at some future date to restrict
coastal trade to its own flag, it seemed rather difficult
for it to agree to open the river trade to British flag
vessels, and that, therefore, there was some justification
for their refusing to accept Article 5.
I
However, after perusing the files and acquiring to
some extent 'local atmosphere', I have come to the
conclusion that it is absolutely wrong of us to allow
them to run this preventive service in our waters.
suppose there is no doubt that their anxiety, now at all
events, to get this 'right' is mixed up with their irre-
dentist tendencies, and I feel that it would be fatal,
taking a long view, to allow them to get a footing in
the way they wish. I nearly voiced this view at a
meeting of Executive Council a short time ago, when
bringing up the question, but refrained from doing so,
as I was not certain whether it was desirable in the
presence of a Chinese member (Sir Shouson Chow). He,
however, quite openly volunteered his view that this was
mainly what China was after.
I feel most strongly that it was a mistake from
the very start to contemplate such a concession, and
the objections to it are even greater today than they
were when it was first mooted. I am, therefore, very
anxious that the Agreement should never come into being.
I stated, in the telegram to the Colonial Office of which
a copy was sent to you, that I was very anxious to assist
China