CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908 — Page 505

8.

9

(No. 63.)

(Telegraphic.)

Inclosure 9 in No. 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Consul-General Mansfield.

Peking, December 21, 1907. YOUR telegram No. 60. Piracy. Attention of Wai-wu Pu was drawn to-day in course of conversation to inaccuracy of their statement that I did not insist on employment of foreign officers.

Note was taken of this correction, and a message was sent to me to the effect that they proposed to place preventive service under officers of the old Peiyang squadron, trained by Admiral Lang, and to employ midshipmen recently trained in His Majesty's ships. The scheme would be explained to me in a more concrete form on Tuesday next, when they would ask me whether I would forgo demand for vessels under Customs control, in view of their earnest intention to take effective steps. As the Customs themselves are unwilling to participate, it seems useless to press for execution of their engagement, and I am inclined to recommend to His Majesty's Government a trial (of) alternative proposal, provided that when fully laid before us it appears fairly adequate. I should be glad of your views and those of the Admiral on this point-by Tuesday, if possible.

Payment of "Sainam" claim would of course form condition of settlement.

If Chinese preventive services satisfactorily organized, but compassionate allowance only offered instead of compensation "Sainam " claim, do you think our increased patrol should still be maintained ?

(Telegraphic.)

Inclosure 13 in No. 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Admiral Sir A. Moore.

Peking, December 26, 1907.

YOUR Excellency's telegram of the 25th December. I agree with the Governor of Hong Kong that the withdrawal of friendly legis lation should only be contemplated in the last resort, and I consider, in view of the general situation in China, the present would be a very inopportune moment for initiating such action. If the Chinese preventive service satisfactorily organized and the "Sainam" claim paid in full, even as a compassionate allowance, I think that the increased patrol need not be maintained. But it would be better if possible to arrange for the money to be paid in settlement without giving it any designation, and we should accept no formula which prevented case from forming a precedent.

Please communicate to Consul-General.

(Telegraphic.)

Inclosure 10 in No. 1.

Consul-General Mansfield to Sir J. Jordan.

Canton, December 23, 1907.

YOUR telegram No. 63. I understand Admiral agrees with me that under present conditions to press for Customs control (over) ernisers would be useless. I think that our [F] should be payment of "Sainam" claim in full as an indemnity, and a satisfactory detailed scheme for dealing with robbers both afloat and ashore. On the settlement of these two points withdrawal of our inercased patrol could be arranged, on condition (that) if by next autumn no good result is apparent it may have to return. Our patrol during summer heat would be difficult and expensive. Viceroy wrote again the 21st December, repeating former arguments and offering to pay compassionate gratuity to Mrs. MacDonald, but refusing indemnity on the ground that Treaty obligation in Article XIX has been carried out. Excitement over our patrol seems to be subsiding, and I would strongly advocate at present juncture the second part of threat contained in my telegram No. 45. Admiral concurs in this.

Inclosure 11 in No. 1.

Admiral Sir A. Moore to Sir J. Jordan.

(Telegraphic.)

[Undated.]

WITH reference to your telegram to the Consul-General. In view of Customs opposition, concur in your views relative to Wai-wu Pu alternative, and if the "Sainam " claim is paid

we might gradually withdraw our vessels as the Chinese improved service comes into operation.

(Telegraphic.)

Inclosure 12 in No. 1.

Admiral Sir A. Moore to Sir J. Jordan.

Hong Kong, December 25, 1907.

WITH a view to further pressure on Viceroy, Consul-General recommended the withholding of friendly legislation Hong Kong towards Canton. Governor deprecates such action except in the very last resort, giving reasons.

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