CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921 — Page 220

COFY.

(3.2784/102/10.)

Fo. 349.

40555

RE 13 UG 21

British Embassy,

Tokio,

July 1, 1981.

219

My Lord,

In reply to Your Lordship's despatch No.202 (F.1004-108-10) Confidential of the 6th April last enclosing a memorandum on the

subject of the activities of Japanese agents in China, I have the

honour to state that I have no observations in particular to make

on this document, the statements in which gorrespond generally

with the information in my own possession.

It is undoubtedly a feat that the Japanese Ter Office

or General Staff maintain an independent system of political

officers in China. Most of these are military men, attached

as advisors to the Central Goverment or to local authorities;

but there are probably also a number with roving commissions

and, in addition, a sub-stratum of political adventurers of

the "shina ronin' type alluded to on page eight of the memo-

randun.

Apart from the ostensible duties for which some of these

men are engaged, their functions are to act as Intelligence

Officers and propagandists. It is said that some are simply sent

to China with a vague instruction to do anything they think

likely to be to their country's advantage. It is obvious that

these various commissions must mean a good deal of 'fishing in

troubled waters'.

There is little doubt that the activities of these

individuals are at times extremely embarrassing to the Japanese

Foreign Office and a source of anxiety and trouble to their

Legation in Fexing.

The Right Honourable

The Marquis Curzon of Kedleston, K.G.,

etc.

etc.

eto.

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