[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[44258]
No. 1.
[December 6.]
SECTION 2.
Sir,
India Office to Foreign Office.--(Received December 6.)
India Office, December 5, 1910. IN continuation of previous correspondence regarding the unadministered tract between Yunnan and Burmah, I am desired by the Secretary of State for India to forward, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copy of two telegrams from the Government of India regarding the expedition to Pien-ma.
His Majesty's chargé d'affaires at Peking was instructed in Sir E. Grey's telegram No. 108 of the 25th July that it was unnecessary to make any communica- tion to the Chinese Government at that date, and that it would be enough to inform them when the expedition is about to start. It is for consideration whether a notification should now be made. The Earl of Crewe is inclined to think that such a notification will serve no other purpose than to invite the "diplomatic pressure which the taotai is said to have urged the Viceroy of Yunnan to apply; and he would therefore suggest that it should not be made.
"
He is, however, content to leave the decision to Sir E. Grey, merely suggesting that if it is thought expedient to address the Chinese Government, they should simply be informed that in pursuance of Sir E. Satow's note of the 1st May, 1906 (which was brought to their recollection by Mr. Max Muller's note of the 3rd June, 1910), the Government of Burmah have been instructed to occupy and administer the country therein referred to, and that measures are being taken for that purpose.
I am, &c.
R. RITCHIE.
Enclosure 1 in No. 1.
Government of India to the Earl of Crewe.
November 28, 1910.
(Telegraphic.) P.
EXPEDITION to Pien-ma.
Please refer to my telegram dated the 18th instant. Two British officers and 150 men, being the advance party of Mr. Hertz's escort, start for Seniku from Myitkyina to-day; on the 30th instant the rest of the party will start.
Enclosure 2 in No. 1.
Government of India to the Earl of Crewe. (Telegraphic.) P.
November 28, 1910. PLEASE refer to our telegram dated the 18th instant regarding proposed dispatch of Sub-Prefect Lung Ling to Pien-ma.
His Majesty's consul, Tengyueh, telegraphed to Burmah Government on the 24th instant as follows:-
"Taotai and frontier deputy were a few days ago closeted all day with the sub- prefect, who had been summoned hurriedly to Tengyueh. My information is that fact of British expedition being about to start from Myitkyina was announced by taotai, which resulted in a definite refusal to proceed on the part of the sub-prefect; that the Viceroy has been advised by the taotai that it would be unwise to send Chinese expedition in face of present situation, and that diplomatic pressure has been urged. There is no sign of military activity, though great excitement prevails among officials.
Circumstances appear to indicate that accomplished fact will be accepted by the Chinese.
I have, however, arranged that in case of movement from Tall, early news should reach me."
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