CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 274

far as the confines of Thibet, that is to say, 28" north latitude. Delimitation of boundary further north will not, in lieutenant-governor's opinion, be possible for the present; it will suffice, he considers, if a definite agreement is obtained either (1) to modified line which Hertz proposes, or (2) to main watershed, up to the point, at their northern extremities, where these two boundary lines are shown to merge into each other. It is desirable, in Hertz's opinion, to avoid a boundary commission.

Lieutenant-Governor's views have our general concurrence; but an attempt to obtain from China recognition of the divide as the general frontier line up to latitude 28° north should, in our opinion, be made; if this is not done, it leaves a question for future settlement. North of latitude 27° actual demarcation can for the present be postponed. We are sending by this mail Hertz's report and map; copy is being sent to Sir J. Jordan by post.

(Repeated to His Majesty's Minister, Peking.)

Enclosure 5 in No. 1.

Government of India to Viscount Morley.

(Telegraphic.) P.

March 27, 1911. WE repeat following telegram, dated the 19th instant, from Burmah Govern-

ment :-

"Map attached to Litton's report of 1905, and maps attached to report by Consul Rose, submitted with Burmah Government's letter of the 14th May last, show position of Kao-liang-Kung range. Leaving main watershed between Irrawaddy and Shweli Rivers near Hpare pass, the range runs north-westwards, separating the valleys of the Rivers Kansheng and Chipwi. Range towards its western extremity joins that of Wumaw Bum. It would appear from 4th paragraph of recent note by Mr. Hertz, copy of which was submitted with letter of "the 13th instant from Burmalı Govern- ment, that main Irrawaddy-Salween watershed in disputed area is also given the name of Kao-liang-Kung or Kao-li-Kung; and the Chinese map which formed enclosure 3 to Litton's report gives name of Kao-li-Kung to main watershed. Kao-liang-Kung mountain, which was proposed as boundary by Taotai Shih in his note dated the 28th May, 1905, to Mr. Litton, is the southern range forming watershed between Kanshong and Chipwi Rivers; and it is doubtless to this range that Chinese Government now refer. Whole valley of Kansheng or Hpare River, and either whole or part of valley of Ngawchang, would be given to China if this range was accepted as boundary. Chinese Governinent have no claim whatever to greater part of this area, and final and definite repudiation of the Chinese claim, as proposed in my letter of the 13th March, paragraph 2, is strongly recommended by the lieutenant-governor. Chinese Govern- ment should, his Honour recommends, be informed that, if China will accept main watershed as the general boundary, we are prepared to enter into negotiations respect- ing Hpimay, Kangtang and Gawlam groups of villages on the Upper Ngawchang River; and that we intend to occupy and administer Hpimaw and all the other territory to the west of watershed, unless they at once negotiate on these terms."

(Repeated to His Majesty's Minister, Peking.)

(Telegraphic.) P.

Enclosure 6 in No. 1.

Government of India to Viscount Morley.

March 29, 1911.

MY telegram dated the 26th, and yours dated the 21st instant. It is desirable, with reference to your decision that Hertz should remain for the present at Htawgaw, that military situation there should be fully placed before you. During rains it will not be possible to supply more than a small force at Htawgaw. It will be very difficult, without loss of stores or baggage, to withdraw expedition after rains break, if it is not withdrawn before. In these circumstances, I would venture to urge that wing of 89th Punjabis should at any rate be withdrawn to Nangu, Hertz and military police being left at Htawgaw, if decision to keep him there is adhered to by your Lordship. Large numbers of Panthay mule drivers will probably desert, taking as many mules as possible with them, if they see no chance of being able to return to China before breaking of rains. Effect of this would probably be that, should we wish

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to bire any Panthay mules next winter, we should be unable to do so, and difficulties of transport in connection with any boundary commission or demonstration on this frontier would be very greatly increased. Very early orders on my telegram dated

(Repeated to His Majesty's Minister, Peking.)

the 19th instant as to withdrawal are solicited.

Sir,

Enclosure 7 in No. 1.

Government of India to Chief of the General Staff.

Army Department, Fort William, March 6, 1911. I AM directed to forward herewith copy of a telegram from the Chief Secretary to the Government of Burmah, dated the 28th February, recommending that the Burmah Company sappers and miners, with the assistance of the 89th Punjabis, be instructed at once to undertake the construction of the Wanghte-Htawgaw section of the road required in connection with the Pienma Expedition, and leaving it to the Government of India to decide the terms on which the troops should be employed.

2. I am to request that, under the orders of his Excellency the Commander-in- chief, the necessary steps may now be taken to give effect to the wishes of the Burmah Government.

3. It is understood that his Excellency the Commander-in-chief considers that the troops should be employed on the following terms:-

(a.) The Burmah Company sappers and miners to be ordered up under field service conditions, and the officer commanding appointed field engineer in charge of the road. (b.) The field engineer to be authorised to give lump sum contracts to his company, in lieu of working pay, for different sections of the road, from time to time.

(c.) The field engineer to be authorised to employ the 89th Punjabis on road- making, giving them lump contracts for bits of road and free tools, which should be sent up at once from Rangoon.

These terms are approved, and I am to request that a statement of the cost involved, which will be borne by the local Government, may be submitted as soon as possible.

I am, &c.

M. H. S. GROVER, Major-General,

Secretary to the Government of India.

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