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(4)
position of His Majesty's Government would not necessarily
be prejudiced if they obtained by other methods the relaxation
of restrictions on the navigation of British shipping which
they have hitherto failed to obtain by protests to the
Japanese Government based on treaty rights.
3. Sir John Simon therefore concurs in Mr. MacDonald's
proposal to approve the recommendation of the Governor of
Hong Kong at A and B in his telegram No. 6. He would however
suggest that in any agreement subsequently reached with the
Japanese authorities with regard to the movements of British
shipping on the Pearl River, it should be expressly stated
that His Majesty's Government reserve their full rights under
the relevant treaties with China, and he is prepared to instruct
His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton to this effect.
Copies of this letter are being sent to the Admiralty
and the Board of Trade.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Monaco