CO129-421 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [3-4] — Page 438

AS CONFIDENTIAL.

REC

C

25312

Rao 1 JUN 15

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG. 19th. April, 1915.

432

Sir.

4057168825.

I have the honour to confirm my cypher telegram

of the 10th. instant, paraphrase of which is enclosed, on the subject of the views of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce regarding the demands which it is alleged Japan has made upon China; and to transmit herewith a copy of the letter from the Chamber upon which my telegram was based.

2.

If the version of the Japanese demands which has reached the Colony is correct it is not matter of surprise that the Commercial Community of this great emporium of British trade is gravely alarmed at the danger which threatens British interests in the Far East and the future prosperity of this Colony, and that it looks anxiously to His Majesty's Government for protection of the vital interests involved. Articles 5 and 6 of Section 4 seriously threaten the position of this Colony as a great distributing centre, and the prospective enhancement of its importance by its connection with Hankow by railway.

I have the honour to be,

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.

&C.,

&c...

&C..

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Amag

Governor,&c..