CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909 — Page 190

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shut out from participating in prospective enterprises. Count Komura, himself a graduate of Harvard University, has, during the many years that I have known him, shown decided leanings towards America, and more particularly the American Govern- ment. From the conversations I have recently had with his Excellency I can see that this slight "lifting of the veil" from America's Far Eastern policy, which the Crane incident has brought about, has been to him an awakening and a disappointment.

I have, &c.

CLAUDE M. MACDONALD.

30215

[This Document is the Property of His Britannis Majesty's Gover}

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[42301]

No. 1.

2 DLC 09!

03

189

[November 20.]

SECTION 2.

Sir,

Sir Edward Grey to the Marquis de Soveral.

Foreign Office, November 20, 1909. THE Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs lately asked me whether I was of opinion that the Portuguese Government should propose that the question of arbitration with regard to Macao should be brought before The Hague Tribunal or a separate authority such as Switzerland.

I have consulted His Majesty's Minister at Peking upon the subject, and have now the honour to inform you that it would, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, be preferable to refer the matter to The Hague Tribunal.

I have, &c.

[2495 u-2]

E. GREY.

SC