CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909 — Page 191

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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government DLCO

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL

[42484]

No. 1.

190

[November 20.]

SECTION 3.

Sir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received November 20.) (No. 301.)

Tokyo, October 16, 1909. Sir,

WITH reference to Mr. Rumbold's despatch No. 180 of the 28th June last, and previous correspondence, I have the honour to report that the Pratas Island case has been finally settled by the signature on the 11th instant, between Mr. Segawa, Japanese consul at Canton, and the Chinese Viceroy there, of an agreement, in the shape of a memorandum which does not require the formal ratification of the two Governments, stipulating that China shall take over Mr. Nishizawa's works, &c., on the island for a net sum of 130,000 Canton dollars, representing 160,000 dollars gross less 30,000 dollars due from Mr. Nishizawa as compensation for a Chinese temple alleged to have been burnt by him, fishing-boats, &c. This payment is to be made within half a month from the 25th instant, on which date the official transfer will be carried out at the island by commissioners, Japan being represented by the Japanese élève-consul at Canton, and Mr. Nishizawa at the same time sending a vessel to remove his labourers.

The memorandum contains no specific reference to the recognition of China's sovereignty over Pratas Island, this being "understood" between the Governments in view of China's protection of Mr. Nishizawa's enterprise.

The above particulars are based on information given by Mr. Kurachi, head of the Political Bureau in the Japanese Foreign Office.

I have, &c.

CLAUDE M. MACDONALD.

[2495 u-3]