CO129-379 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1911 [8-9] — Page 263

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military consideration. The signigance of an increase 261

a few hundred Japanese (the bulk of whom would be trained soldiers) is largely dependent on the strength of the garrison which would have to detail a portion of ite strength to watch them.

In view of the fact that popular report credits the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha with being absolutly under the thumb of the Japanese Government, and therefore also of the Japanese General Staff, I feel that the Array Council might well hold me to blame if I did not (now that I have become aware of the facts) place them in possession of the information. I propose therefore to despatch to then the telegram, copy of which I enclose, so that they may be in a position to consider the question and represent

r their views before negotiations have concluded,

and the lease become a "fait accompli".

Kindly let me know as early as possible

whether you concur in the wording of the telegram.

I have the honour to be,

Your Excellency's obedient Servant,

(sd) C.A. Anderson, Hajor-General

Commanding the Troops, S. China.