CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 28

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This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

C.O. 12195 [January 15.]

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

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(No. 26.) (Telegraphic.) P.

YUAN SHIH-KAI,

RECO

SECTION 2.

REG 9 APR OC

No. 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey,—(Received January 15.)

Peking, January 15, 1909.

AS authorized by your telegram No. 7 of the 11th instant, I joined the United States' Minister to-day in a visit to Prince Ch'ing, to whom we handed separate representations respecting Yuan's dismissal.

The Prince, who was supported by Liang Tun-yen, and who greeted us in a markedly cordial manner, explained that he could not with propriety tell us the reasons for Yuan's disgrace, but he desired us to understand that there had been no question of differences regarding either foreign relations or reforms.

He hoped we would accept and communicate to our respective Governments his explicit assurances that China's foreign policy and the proposed introduction of reforms would be in no way prejudicially affected by the removal of Yuan; for this his Highness was ready to stand personally guarantee, and added that the Prince Regent recognized clearly the need for continuity of the policy hitherto pursued.

Mr. Rockhill and I, in reply, expressed our conviction that his Highness' assurances would be received by our Governments with the cordial appreciation which their importance demanded.

The interview left us with the undoubted impression that Prince Ch'ing personally welcomed our representations. His Highness made no endeavour to conceal from us his disappointment at the removal of Yuan, whose presence he said he greatly missed, adding that in his opinion it would not be long before his Excellency would be recalled to office.

(Confidential.)

I understand that Prince Ching will hand to the Regent to-morrow the repre- sentations which the American Minister and myself left with him in writing. Liang Tun-ven further tells me that the Prince confidently believes the representations will tend to "steady" the Prince Regent.

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