CO129-427 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 48

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expulsion of Germans from the British Concessions

[

would tend to encourage the agitation which as

shown in my despatch No. 127 has already found

favour in certain quarters, for the forcible oc-

cupation of German and Austrian Concessions,

and

this would not only involve a violation of Chinese

neutrality but might lead to political development s

of a serious nature.

Confidential.

Japan is the only Power amongst the Allies

who is in a position to deal effectively with such

a question. If we find it necessary or politic

to order the expulsion of Germans from British Con-

cessions as being a menace to our peaceful rela-

tions, Japan may consider them equally undesirable

neighbours at Hankow where the German Concession

adjoins the Japanese one and may proceed, with the

help of her large garrison there, to annex the for-

mer Concession.

These and other considerations make

me view with grave misgiving any suggestion for dis-

turbing