No.391
(F 6879/205/10)
C
FOREIGN OFFICE, s.w.1.
23rd September, 1937.
Sir,
55
The Portuguese Ambassador asked to see me this
morning. After some general conversation on the international
situation His Excellency spoke of his anxiety to press forward
rapidly with the preparations for the visit of the British
Military Mission to Portugal. I cordially concurred and
undertook to do my best to let him have the draft communication
by the end of this week.
Macao.
2. Senhor Monteiro then spoke of the situation in the
Far East which he clearly regarded as extremely disturbing.
We would be aware of the important Portuguese interests at
In view of recent developments of the situation they
had reinforced both their army and navy at Macao and now had
a very considerable force available. Recently a somewhat
entertaining incident had occurred when the Japanese and
Chinese had each offered to take over the defence of Macao
against the other. Needless to say the offers had been firmly
declined, and Japanese destroyers which had recently been using
the Macao territorial waters had been asked to keep out. They
had complied. His Excellency spoke of his Government's keen
desire that close contact should be kept between the Governor
of Macao, of whose abilities he spoke in highest terms, and
the Governor of Hong Kong. I concurred in this and undertook
to see that the Governor of Hong Kong was communicated with in
this sense if such action had not already been taken.
His Excellency
Sir Charles Wingfield, K.C.M.G.,
etc.,
etc.,
Lisbon.
etc.,
I am, etc.