CO129-385 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 347

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protection. He suggests that if there is any real

doubt on the subject, the British delegates might be

instructed to make a reservation to the above effect,

but he considers (and Sir E. Grey agrees) that the

insertion of such a reservation should, if possible, be

avoided.

It appears that all of the States represented at

the Conference, with the exception of Portugal, who is

unwilling to make any concession likely to injure the

trade of Macao, have agreed to the proposed resolution,

and it would be regrettable if His Majesty's Government

were obliged to associate themselves with Portugal alone

in this respect.

As it is anticipated that it may be possible to

terminate the labours of the Conference at the end of

this week, Sir E. Grey would be glad to be placed in a

position to send telegraphic instructions to the

delegates in regard to the proposed resolution at an

early date.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble Servant,

Wangly