CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919 — Page 607

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Government replied reasserting its esteem for the Chinese Government and giving the assurance that they would not allow the Portuguese Authorities to go be- yond the provisionally convened limite. On receipt of this reply the Chinese Chargè d'Affaires in Lisbon retorted insisting on His Government's interpretation, the necessity of ceasing the works, referred to possible serious complications and said that His Government would decline any responsability as to ensuing occurrences.

6. The Portuguese Chargé d'Affaires in China has been instructed to approach the British Minister before handing in a reply.

7. The Portuguese Government in acquainting the British Government with these facts would request that instructions be sent to His Majesty's Representative at Peking in order that he should approach the Chinese Government and point out to them the unfairness of their claim.

PORTUGUESE LEGATION.

London, 19th November, 1919.