2968).
CHINA
247
POLITICAL
Paraphrase telegram to British Consul-General. (Canton).
Foreign Office. January 23rd, 1920. 10.0.p.m.
No. 1. Very Urgent.
Clear the Line.
Pekin telegram No.38.
You should spare no endeavour to persuade Canton Government to desist from aggressive action against Macao, pointing out that work in question is limited according to our information to dredging in the inner harbour. You should remind Authorities of our special interest in this matter owing to our obligations under ancient treaties with Portugal to protect and defend Portuguese colonies
(see Anglo-Portuguese treaty of 1661).
Admiralty are being asked to instruct Admiral who is
due to return to Hong Kong January 24th to send a vessel to Macao to report on what is happening and watch proceedings Please detach a member of your staff to proceed immediately to Hong Kong and accompany vessel.
You should carefully abstain from any threats to
Canton Authorities; inform them of instructions to Admiral but make it clear that vessel is only being sent to report what is happening.
Repeat urgent to Peking.
Repeated to Lisbon No. 1.
(24.1.8-4).
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