or ex-soldiers to Formosa before we know whether
the Chinese Government will have them. We
are similarly against any experimental shipment
of soldiers to North China before the suggested
approach to Chinese Government has been made.
5. As regards those who are not in fact
soldiers and who can be considered as having
civilian status and as being no more than
distressed Chinese subjects, these we
consider constitute a separate problem altogether
and they should be separated out from the soldiers.
This would facilitate their treatment as
civilians and in this capacity, i.e., as
civilians or refugees we consider there would
be no objection to their going to Formosa
through the medium of the Tung Wah Hospital
if they agree and if this can be arranged.
6. It would, however, be essential to
separate the two categories as soon as possible
so that the approach by Peking can be made with
respect to the soldiers only. Please inform
Peking urgently of the numbers of soldiers
concerned so that H.M. Charge d'Affairs can
make the necessary approach (see Peking telegram
No. 368 paragraph 3 repeated as my telegram No. 581).
(24)
7. As regards paragraph 5 above please see Tamsui's despatch
No. 29 of 24th February copied to you. In view of
possible difficulty in Formosa please keep consul
Tamsui advised of any arrangements you intend
to make regarding non-soldiers.
Secer
[ Coppies wat to Foreign three br. exetition to Petion and
a Tamqui).
(14)