This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
29532
13 AUG 08
CONFIDENTIAL,
(25995)
No. 1.
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 27.)
(No. 262. Very Confidential.) Sir,
Peking, June 9, 1908.
I HAVE the honour to report the arrival here on the 2nd instant of Sir Walter Hillier, whose appearance in Peking has given rise to much speculation, and been the subject of several inquiries addressed to me by my colleagues.
The accompanying copy of a letter from Sir Walter describes his reception by Prince Ching and the Ministers of the Wai-wu Pu, but gives only a slight indication of the nature of the duties which he is expected to perform. It is fairly certain, I think, that the Chinese have not yet themselves decided exactly how they are to utilize Sir Walter's services, and that their intentions have not assumed a more definite shape than, as Prince Ching expresses it, "to have him on the spot and ready to lend a hand." The uncertainty of Sir Robert Hart's movements doubtless contributes to their apparent indecision of purpose.
Sir Walter Hillier seems to have been especially struck with the warmth of anti-Japanese sentiment entertained by the officials he has met here. The feeling was much more pronounced some little time ago than it is at present, the last fortnight having, I am glad to report, produced a perceptible improvement in the relations of the two countries. The conclusion of the Yalu Timber Agreement, the statements of the late Japanese Minister here, as reported in the press, and the conciliatory attitude shown by Japan in the settlement of an unpleasant incident which occurred recently at Hankow have all contributed to make a favourable impression.
In desiring to enter into closer relations with us there is, I hope, no reason to suppose that the Chinese Government expect us to sacrifice in any way our alliance with Japan, and Sir Walter Hillier would, I feel sure, be the last person to encourage any idea of the kind.
His Excellency Tong Shao-yi told me some time ago that Sir Walter Hillier's engagement was intended as an earnest of their desire to secure our sympathy and support, and Prince Ch'ing now confirms the statement. In resisting Japanese pretensions in Manchuria, his Excellency Tong has adroitly utilized the services of the American Consular authorities there, but the British Consuls have been uniformly careful not to lend themselves to political exploitation of any kind. The fact is that for some time past we have been pulled in different directions by China and Japan. In the telegraph question, Manchurian railway settlements, and other matters, China has solicited our support against Japan; while in the boycott, the "Tatsu Maru" incident, and other questions Japan has invoked our assistance in coming to terms with China.
Our safest course in these circumstances is perhaps to be guided by a sense of our own interests, doing our duty to our ally in so far as it does not impair our friendly relations with China.
I propose to send a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Ambassador at Tôkiô as soon as a safe opportunity of doing so presents itself.
I have, &c. (Signed)
J. N. JORDAN.
(Private.)
Dear Sir John,
Inclosure in No. 1.
Sir W. Hillier to Sir J. Jordan.
Peking, June 9, 1908.
I TOLD you, I think, when I last saw you that Prince Ching had expressed a wish to see me, and had requested me to wait upon him yesterday at his summer residence near the I-ho Yuan. I drove out at noon, and on arrival at the Prince's residence was...
Page 287
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[B]
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's, Government.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
29532
13 AUG 08
CONFIDENTIAL,
(25995]
No. 1.
SECTION 1.
}
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 27.)
(No. 262. Very Confidential.) Sir,
Peking, June 9, 1908.
I HAVE the honour to report the arrival here on the 2nd instant of Sir Walter Hillier, whose appearance in Peking has given rise to much speculation, and been the subject of several inquiries addressed to me by my colleagues.
The accompanying copy of a letter from Sir Walter describes his reception by Prince Ching and the Ministers of the Wai-wu Pu, but gives only a slight indication of the nature of the duties which he is expected to perform. It is fairly certain, I think, that the Chinese have not yet themselves decided exactly how they are to utilize Sir Walter's services, and that their intentions have not assumed a more definite shape than, as Prince Ching expresses it, "to have him on the spot and ready to lend a hand." The uncertainty of Sir Robert Hart's movements doubtless contributes to their apparent indecision of purpose.
Sir Walter Hillier seems to have been especially struck with the warmth of anti- Japanese sentiment entertained by the officials he has met here. The feeling was much more pronounced some little time ago than it is at present, the last fortnight having, I am glad to report, produced a perceptible improvement in the relations of the two countries. The conclusion of the Yalu Timber Agreement, the statements of the late Japanese Minister here, as reported in the press, and the conciliatory attitude shown by Japan in the settlement of an unpleasant incident which occurred recently at Hankow have all contributed to make a favourable impression.
In desiring to enter into closer relations with us there is, I hope, no reason to suppose that the Chinese Government expect us to sacrifice in any way our alliance with Japan, and Sir Walter Hillier would, I feel sure, be the last person to encourage any iden of the kind.
His Excellency Toug Shoa-yi told me some time ago that Sir Walter Hillier's engagement was intended as an earnest of their desire to secure our sympathy and support, and Prince Ch'ing now confirms the statement. In resisting Japanese pretensions in Manchuria, his Excellency Tong has adroitly utilized the services of the American Consular authorities there, but the British Consuls have been uniformly careful not to lend themselves to political exploitation of any kind. The fact is that for some time past we have been pulled in different directions by China and Japan. In the telegraph question, Manchurian railway settlements, and other matters, China has solicited our support against Japan; while in the boycott, the "Tatsu Marn" incident, and other questions Japan has invoked our assistance in coming to terms with China.
Our safest course in these circumstances is perhaps to be guided by a sense of our own interests, doing our duty to our ally in so far as it does not impair our friendly relations with China.
I propose to send a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Ambassador at Tôkið as soon as a safe opportunity of doing so presents itself.
I have, &c. (Signed)
J. N. JORDAN.
(Private.)
Dear Sir John,
Inclosure in No. 1.
Sir W. Hillier to Sir J. Jordan.
Peking, June 9, 1908. I TOLD you, I think, when I last saw you that Prince Ching had expressed a wish
near the I-ho Yuan,
to see me, and had requested me to wait upon him yesterday at his summer residence I drove out at noon, and on arrival at the Prince's residence was [1865 dd-1]
287
}
丰
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