(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
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48
32445
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
[August 16.]
REC
CONFIDENTIAL.
Set 10 SEP 07
SECTION 1.
[27481]
No. 1.
(No. 97.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
PIRACY in Canton waters.
Foreign Office, August 16, 1907.
In answer to your telegram No. 149 of the 27th July, I have to inform you that the Commander-in-chief of the China Station considers that it is impossible to police the West River without vessels suitable for the purpose; such vessels would be the armed launches to which you refer in your despatch No. 489 dated the 24th November, 1906. As two of the Chinese steam launches, of which fourteen have been ordered, have begun patrolling, and as new traffic regulations have been put into force, Admiral Sir A. Moore thinks, that it would be unwise to make a demonstration at Canton. He thinks that it should be sufficient for the present if you and he were to have a personal interview at the Foreign Office, Peking, during his visit next month, to discuss the question of the customs launches.
His Majesty's Government are not prepared therefore, in view of these circum- stances above mentioned, to authorize you to deliver to the Wai-wu Pu the message which you have suggested, but you should draw the serious attention of the Chinese Government to all the advantages, which they derive from the friendly attitude which His Majesty's Government have persistently maintained at Hong Kong in the matter of the arms traffic, surrender of criminals, and facilities for dealing with revolutionaries, in spite of the repeated outrages which British vessels have suffered; and you should point out to them at the same time the poor return which His Majesty's Government receive from China. At the same time you should endeavour to make arrangements for the interview suggested by the Admiral, unless you see any objection to such a
course.
[2621 q-1]
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