[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
338
2
serious loss of prestige, as the tract would in that case most probably be occupied effectively this year by the Chinese. To make our force too strong to invite attack is the best means of averting hostilities.
"Following modification of arrangements described in my letter dated the 10th May is proposed by Lieutenant-Governor. We may abandon expedition to Hkampti proposed in my letter of the 27th August, and may add to Hertz's escort the 125 rifles of Barnard's escort. A total military police escort of 575 rifles and 32 signallers will thus be given to Hertz. One hundred men will be left by Hertz as rationing base at Makawng, and he will be accompanied to Pien-ma by the remaining 475 rifles as escort. Hertz will thus be enabled, if attacked by strong force, to occupy defensive position and await relief. Lieutenant-Governor recommends, as an additional precaution, stationing one battalion of native infantry (Gurkhas for preference), half at Seniku and half at Myitkyina, transport being provided for the half battalion at Seniku, who would be kept in readiness, if required, to follow and relieve Hertz, Military authorities have already been moved by Lieutenant-Governor to post, during absence of military police, half a battalion of native infantry to garrison Myitkyina. A whole battalion is now suggested by his honour. Chinese will doubtless be impressed by movement of regular troops to Seniku and Myitkyina. Until country has been inspected by Hertz it is not possible to decide location of police post which was mentioned in your telegram dated the 23rd ultimo. One post will probably be established near Htaw-gaw consisting of 175 rifles, with a small connecting post at Chinese attitude in Makawng of 50 rifles. Hertz's escort will supply the men. regard to operations of Hertz will govern question whether these posts will remain out or be withdrawn during the rains. If there is no interference on part of Chinese it is proposed when the rains begin to withdraw both posts, and next open season to send them out again. One civil officer and two British officers of military police should stay at Htaw-gaw with the post. Four hundred and seventy-five rounds of ammunition per rifle should be supplied to the men of the post. Escort should for this purpose, in addition to 200 rounds for practice before starting, be supplied with 700 rounds per rifle. It is, therefore, recommended by Lieutenant-Governor that, in addition to ammunition already supplied, 500 rounds per rifle for 607 men should now be supplied. Approval is solicited to these revised proposals, the object of which is to avert hostilities as well as to ensure safety of Hertz's escort. As soon as Pritchard's report is available proposals will be repeated by letter. Consul at Tengyueh has been requested that any indications of intentions of Chinese may be brought to our knowledge."
2. Dated the 7th instant :-
"Unadministered tract on north-east frontier. See my telegram of yesterday. Assistant Superintendent, Sadon, has received following information:-
"About a month ago Hparé was visited by Chinese official with seven followers. He descended the valley (P) of the Chipwi from Hparé aud presented Kachin, headmen of Lang-jaw, Makawng and Tsitsaw with Chinese official caps and tokens. Chinese official informed these chiefs, who said that they were British subjects, that they were subjects of China. Official then returned via Lang-jaw and Ma-li-pa to China, Another indication is thus afforded that, unless we forestall them by sending expedition this year, this tract will be effectively occupied and administered by
Chinese."
It is important, in my opinion, that both expeditions should be carried out during present season, and I do not consider that any alteration of present plans is justified by information now furnished. Military authorities share this view, and consider that to overcome any probable opposition, strength proposed originally should be sufficient. It is proposed to issue orders accordingly, subject to your approval, Movement of troops proposed by Government of Burmah in support to the base from which the two columns act will be advisable as a precautionary measure.
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[36170]
No. 1.
[October 17.]
SECTION
о
34588
RECR Foreign Office to Colonial Office.
REGE 11 NOV TO Sir,
Foreign Office, October 17, 1910. I AM directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, respecting the proposed railway and customs agreements between China and Hong Kong.
Sir E. Grey notes that Sir John Jordan and Sir Frederick Lugard agreed, at the informal conference held on the 2nd instant, that while in the question of the agreement as to the Canton-Kowloon Railway the principle of joint management of the two sections of the railway should be pressed upon the Chinese Government, it would be a mistake to offer as a counter-advantage to the Chinese the proposed customs agreement, and that the Earl of Crewe has consequently informed the Acting Governor of Hong Kong that the question of the customs agreement must not for the present be brought into the railway negotiations.
With regard to paragraph 5 of your letter under reply, I am to state that Sir E. Grey concurs in the view that the negotiations for the conclusion of the customs agreement should be conducted locally, and that for the purpose the commissioner of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs should be deputed to confer with a representative of the Hong Kong Government. It is, of course, understood that the legation in Peking will be kept fully informed of the progress of the negotiations, and that the signature of the final arrangement will take place there.
am, &c.
F. A. CAMPBELL.
[2948 r-2]
I
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.