[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
90
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
[February 27.]
SECTION 5.
CONFIDENTIAL,
[7322]
Sir,
No. 1.
India Office to Foreign Office.—(Received February 27.)
India Office, February 25, 1911. JN continuation of my letter of the 23rd February, I am directed by the Secretary of State for India to enclose copy of a further telegram from the Viceroy on the subject of the undemarcated section of the Burmah-China frontier north of latitude 25° 35' north.
The Earl of Crewe concurs in the views expressed by the Viceroy.
I am, &c.
R. RITCHIE.
May
Enclosure in No. 1.
Government of India to the Earl of Crewe.
(Telegraphic.) P.
February 23, 1911. BURMAH Government telegraphed, 21st instant, as follows in regard to Hpimaw expedition :--
"Arrival at his camp of Hpimaw headman is reported by Hertz. Headman stated that there were no Chinese at Hpimaw, and that servants of the Chief of Teng Keng were the only Chinese who had been there; elders of Hpimaw were called in to Teng Keng by these servants, and were made to sign a petition expressing preference for rule of China over that of Great Britain. Return of Hertz to Hpimaw can in these circumstances be open to no objection. Orders as to making over entire control to senior military officer do not, it is presumed, immediately apply in event of Hertz being directed to return to Hpimaw. It is contemplated by lieutenant- governor that Hertz should leave military supports at Htawgaw and return to Hpimaw with his escort of military police. If directions were given to combined forces to occupy Hpimaw for an indefinite period, lieutenant-governor anticipates that insuperable difficulties in regard to transport and rations would arise."
It is still my opinion that, pending negotiations, Hertz should remain at Htawgaw. While there is a possibility of our having as a result of the negotiations to leave Hpimaw, it would be unwise to undertake further steps in regard to administering the place.
(Repeated to Peking.)
[1909 dd-5]
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