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thus in actual fact strengthening their own position and corres- pondingly weakening ours, all in a very pleasant odour of sanctity.
Until, therefore, the Japanese Authorities are prepared to
enter into bilateral discussion with our authorities, we do not
propose to avail ourselves of their "permission" to carry cargo in
"Fatsian", nor indeed to make any alteration in present procedure.
We realise that this may perhaps be a little galling to British
merchant interests at your port, but the question is one which does
not admit of compromise, for restrictions agreed to now are only
too likely to become permanent.
In that connection, you had better keep it firmly fixed in
Mr. Toller's mind that any weakness displayed here may have damaging
repercussions on the ultimate settlement of the Yangtsze question,
and, although we can hardly tell him his own business, he would be
well advised to keep Shanghai closely posted of developments.
e should be rather surprised if the Japanese go ahead with
their ideas as regards their own ships before they have come to
terms with the Colonial Government, but if they do by any chance
load cargo for Hong Kong, please wire at once, and we will endeavour
to get discharge prevented.
Yours faithfully,
p.p. BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE
Agents, China Navigation Co.Ltd.