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CHINA
MILITARY.
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Deeypher. Sir J. Jordan (Peking) July 9th, 1916.
D. 12.10 p.m. July 9th, 1916.
R. 1.10 p.m. July 9th, 1916.
No. 211.
Following telegram sent to India.
Your telegram No.122 and my despatch No. 162.
Consul General at Canton has been informed accordingly.
The question of protection of Chinese section of
Canton Kowloon Railway more especially part of line including important bridge over East River has also
arisen and requires to be considered.
Canton-Kowloon Railway has been repeatedly attacked by
brigands during last few months and bridge portion
would be seriously endangered if as seems quite possible
Canton were attacked from the East and North.
Governor of Hong Kong is strongly in favour
of protecting Railway in the interest of colony and
I undestand General Officer Commanding is prepared to
detail sufficient number of troops for this..
Personally I am doubtful whether Railway is a sufficient ly direct British interest to justify step in present
circumstances. But they will I presume require to
be assured that there is no military risk of troops
being cut off, if they decide to entertain proposal.
As measure would be admittedly one of inter-
vention which might establish precedent it would also I think be desirable to explain beforehand to Japanese Government exceptional circumstances in which we felt compelled to undertake it.
Confidential
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