4.
100
6. With regard to Your Lordship's suggestion that these
four men should now be expelled I must state most emphatically
that I could not be responsible for results if such a course were
pursued. Japanese authorities believe, justifiably in my
opinion, that we have already been guilty of a breach of faith
(see paragraphs 3 and 5 above). If we were now to expel these
men, action would be construed as even greater breach of faith
and the Japanese military authorities would feel themselves
justified in taking even more severe action than at present
contemplated.
7. With regard to suggestion that this issue may be settled
by retaliatory action, my personal opinion is that it would be a
pity to attempt to force Japanese when we are not, as I contend,
on a sound wicket see His Majesty's Ambassador Tokyo's many
remarks on this subject.
8. Your Lordship and His Majesty's Ambassador have been
under no delusion at any time during the course of the present
telegraphic correspondence as to what in the opinion of His
Majesty's Ambassador Tokyo and myself, would happen if Japanese
demands were not met. I have since pointed out to you that the
way is still open to alter directions given. Position therefore
is that unless altered instructions are given the innocent
British community of Tientsin will be faced with hardship, loss
and danger to life, which I venture to submit you will agree is a matter of concern for His jajesty's Government.
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 214; repeated to
Shanghai telegram Ho. 288 and Tokyo.
Page 100Page 101