CO129-370 - Governor Sir Lugard & Public Offices - 1910 [12] — Page 42

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Commodore's Office,

Hongkong, November 15th,1910.

Dear Sir Frederick Lugard,

With reference to the conversation you held with

me on the subject of the Mitsu Bishi Company, I think the question of this Japanese Company being allowed to lease land on the water front, and set up a large coaling station here, is one which should certainly be referred to the Commander-in- Chief, as the Admiralty may very probably have strong objections to the proposal.

I am not in a position to give an opinion on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief or the Admiralty, but speaking for myself only I can imagine great difficulties arising, should the Japanese treaty lapse, whenever relations might be strained with Japan or even with other powers, by the fact of such an establishment being situated actually in our harbour & fortress.-

It is quite certain the Japanese Government would not tolerate such a British Establishment in Port Arthur.-

All the information I can get leads me to believe that the Mitsu Bishi Co. may be considered as the Japanese Government, in this connection.

I remain

yours sincerely.

(ad) C.J.Eyres.