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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] ).
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[20288]
No. 1.
24461
Rack
$ : 7 JUL 08
[June 12.]
SECTION 2.
(No. 94.)
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
Foreign Office, June 12, 1908.
(Telegraphic.) P.
PORTUGAL and China, We are informed by the Portuguese Government that, on a Chinese vessel entering the Macao inner harbour, the Mandarin claimed that she was in Chinese waters and refused, under orders from the Viceroy, to sign the register of entry. The Chinese have hitherto based their action on the status quo of 1887, but this incident does not seem consistent with that attitude. Please endeavour to ascertain facts, and ask Chinese Government for explanation.
I am anxious of supporting the Chinese in their efforts to come to a satisfactory arrangement for the suppression of the contraband arms traffic, but Portugal will appeal to us for protection in accordance with the terms of our Treaty if territory which is undoubtedly Portuguese is directly violated.
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[1819 m-2
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