CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 231

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24603

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[26867]

(No. 257.) Sir,

No. 1.

[July 201

SECTION 3.

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 10.)

WITH reference to previous correspondence on the matters in dispute between

Peking, June 20, 1911. the Russian and Chinese authorities in Central Asia, and the forthcoming revision of the treaties, I have the honour to report that I have to-day received a telegram from His Majesty's consul-general at Kashgar informing me that he has received news from Jarkend, near Ili, that the Russian garrison there, which usually numbers about 3,000 men, has been increased to 10,000. concentration of Russian troops is proceeding, and that the Russian officers at Jarkend Mr. Macartney adds that the say that Ili will probably be occupied. The Russian consulate at Kashgar anticipates trouble with reference to the commercial stipulations when the Treaty of St. Petersburgh terminates next August. According to a subordinate Chinese official at Kashgar, Russia threatens to collect customs dues on Chinese goods in August, while refusing to China the right to tax goods imported and owned by Russian subjects

I have not thought it worth while repeating this news to you by telegraph, as it seems to me unduly alarming and to leave out of account the probability of adjustment of the difficulties by diplomatic negotiation.

I am forwarding a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Ambassador at St. Petersburgh.

(2103 --3]

I have, &c.

J. N. JORDAN.