CO129-388 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1912 [1-2] — Page 325

SECRET

the,

sir,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

7th, February, 1912.

+8138 343 1.09

216 MAR 12

I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 15th ultimo, a paraphrase of which is attached, with regard to the sale of arms and ammunition by Japanese to the Chinese revolutionaries for shipment to Canton, and should be glad to know whether Your Excellency has received any information with respect to the matter.

2.

There is at present lying in Hongkong harbour

a Japanese steamer, the "Soshu Maru", which has applied for permits for the export of four cases of revolver ammunition consigned from the Military Goverrunent at Canton to the Military Government at Fuchow.

3.

It appears to me contrary to the declarations of non-intervention and neutrality recently made by H.H's Government, that permits for the export of arms and ammuni- tion and the hospitality of the port should be accorded to vessels carrying war material for the use of a Government or province at war with the Government of China, since the latter is still recognized by Great Britain and responsible for the observance of all Treaties made with China. I shall therefore be glad, if Your Excellency sees fit, if you will make representations in the proper quarter to prevent the passage through the waters of this Colony of Japanese ships carrying war-like material for the use of either party.

#

A copy of this despatch is being sent to the

Secretary of State for the Colonies.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Right Honourable,

Sir Claude N.MacDonald.

G.C.M.G. G.C.V.O. K.O.B. Britannic Majesty's Ambassador

TOKIO.

(sd) F.D.LUGARD.