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6
given their assent to everything; and so they will be able to send men to the zones to work the mines. And when these mines have been opened, and when the railways have been constructed, and when their troops have arrived, then our elders and brethren will want to struggle, but then it will be too late.
Sir,
The work-people of Shantung in a body tell their tale and weep.
Inclosure 3 in No. 1.
Acting Consul Giles to Governor of Shantung.
October 24, 1908. I FIND that recently an anonymous leaflet, entitled "A letter from the work-people of Shantung, expressing their views on the struggle for the mines," has been widely circulated among the people, its aim being to oppose the working of mines by the Germans in the five zones of the Province of Shantung. The question in dispute is one for settlement between the parties concerned, nor am I in any way desirous of raising that point.
But the language in which the anonymous leaflents are couched is highly inflam- matory; and I greatly fear, if this stirring up of the people at large is allowed to continue, that trouble will break out without warning, and that British merchants and subjects generally residing in Shantung will find themselves involved therein; and the consequences are very likely to be serious.
As it is especially with a view to the furtherance of friendly feelings between our respective countries that I am stationed in Shantung, I feel it incumbent on me to address your Excellency, and to request you to take speedy measures to suppress these manifestations, so as to nip in the bud any possible disaster, thereby consolidating friendly relations and preserving them permanently unbroken. I also trust-and the matter is of the highest importance-that your Excellency will issue instructions to all your subordinates severely to repress all idle rumours.
I have the honour to append herewith a copy of the leaflet referred to above.
I avail, &c.
(Signed)
BERTRAM GILES.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governinen O.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA,
CONFIDENTIAL.
[127]
(No. 317.) Sir,
No. 1.
3230
[January 2
28 AL 09
SECTION 2.
Sir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.~(Received January 2, 1909.)
Tokió, December 3, 1908. WITH reference to my telegram No. 81 of the 19th ultimo and your telegram in reply No. 56 of the 20th ultimo, I have the honour to transmit herewith translation of a note which I have received from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, stating that it is a matter of great satisfaction to the Japanese Government to know that their views on the present situation in China are in complete accord with those of His Majesty's Government.
(Translation.)
(No. 27. Confidential.) Sir,
I have, &c.
(Signed) CLAUDE M. MACDONALD.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Count Komura to Sir C. MacDonald.
November 26, 1908.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's note No. 109 of the 21st instant regarding the interview I had with your Excellency on the 19th with reference to the policy of the Imperial Government in view of any trouble that might arise out of the calamity at the Chinese Court.
It is a source of great satisfaction to the Imperial Government to know that their views upon the present situation in China are in complete accord with the views of His Majesty's Government.
I take, &c. (Signed) KOMURA JUTARÒ,
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
(Translation.) Sir,
Inclosure 4 in No. 1.
Governor of Shantung to Acting Consul Giles.
October 27, 1908,
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of the 24th October (quoted in full),
I had previously received a letter on this subject from the German Consul at
among all Chinan, Dr. Betz; and I had already circulated instructions
subordinates, my
On ordering them to issue Proclamations strictly prohibiting such manifestations. receipt of your despatch under acknowledgment, I sent out similar instructions; and I now have the honour to request you to take note thereof.
1 avail, &c.
In the absence of the Governor of Shantung, (Seal of the Financial Commissioner of Shantung.)
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