CO129-385 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 273

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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

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C O 39159

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[44029]

No. 1.

[November 9.]

SECTION 9.

(No. 159.)

(Telegraphic.) R.

Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.

Foreign Office, November 9, 1911.

MY telegram No. 155 of 8th November. Japanese Government state in reply that it is absolutely necessary that they should safeguard the railway communication beyond Shanhaikwan with the purpose of transporting their troops so as to meet any emergency, although this section is not included in the British proposal.

I propose to reply that if it should become necessary to protect the line beyond Shanhaikwan I should be inclined to agree that Japan is entitled to undertake that duty, but that at present the only question is that of guarding the line from Peking to the sea, in order to keep communications open; that there is no question of occupation by foreign troops of any points north or east of the Peking-Shanhaikwan line, and that would therefore most strongly deprecate any such action as is suggested by the Japanese Government as being likely to lead to serious international complications. Do you agree, or have you any further suggestions to offer? (End of R.)

(Confidential.)

I have been informed by the Russian Ambassador that if Japan were to make any move of this nature it would entail corresponding action on the part of his Government. Please reply immediately.

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