CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 720

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Telegram from Sir C. MacDonald, Tokio, to Foreign Of-

fice, No.16 dated March 25th 1909.

C.O.

Island of Pratas.

10930

Rece REGO 30 MAR 09,

A telegram has been received from Governor of Hongkong

inquiring whether Chinese sovereign rights over island are

recognised by Japan; bad feeling and possible boycott

would, he mentions, be allayed by a statement to that effect.

I have sent following reply.

Please refer to your telegram of yesterday. As soon

as China can prove she has any sovereign rights to the is-

land Japanese Government are perfectly willing to recognise

them. Although asserting no claim to the island Japan is

ready to safeguard lawful interests of her subjects if any

party which cannot prove a valid title to the island attempts

to interfere with Japanese commercial operations. The pro-

tection of Japanese subjects engaged in lawful pursuits will

devolve on whatever Power proves such title.

Above coincides practically with line we took in May

1908 vide Colonial Office letter to Foreign Office of May

30th and to Peking.

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