CO129-437 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 571

*

2

Aydemi

F8023

KIS B

L. 3.

"

1

2.

569

acao

which separated the two Goverments and all efforts which have since been made to find some godus vivendi have proved equally fruitless. For monthe past the provinces of Suangtung, which is primarily concerned with the question, has been in a state bordering upon anarchy and rival factions are still struggling for the mastery at Canton. Locally, therefore, there would be no prospect of enlisting any interest in the question and neither at present nor at any time during the past year could the Government at reking have been induced to entertain it. Jike prospect of a settlement seems to me, I regret to nay,

more remote than ever. With a Parliament weeting in reking and public opinion canvassing every act of the Government, it is very unlikely that any Administration will consent to mettle a question which has been an out- standing dispute for the last 30 years unless Fortugal in prepared to agree to a virtual abandonment of the terri- torial claims to which she has consistently adhered since the Treaty of 1887 was concluded. In the circumstances I regret that i see no opportunity for useful intervention on my part nor do I think that representations at Lf "bon by His Lajesty's Goverment would produce the desired result unless, of which there is no indication, the Iortu- guene Goverment is willing to modify the attitude it has

hitherto observed in the matter.

I have the honour to be,

with the highest respect,

My Lord;

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble wervant,

(SD) J.N.Jordan.