CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 121

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contact which has now been established in this frank way should be maintained and conversations regarded as merely adjourned for the time being. Meanwhile they for their part are considering and exploring ques- tion of treaty revision as a preliminary to possibility of negotiating with a government of China. In this connection they are not unfavourably impressed by

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Chen's (gr.omit.) (see second formula) of "(? effect of)

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alteration" of old treaties and negotiating en-

tirely new ones provided old treaties remain in force until new ones are negotiated.

It will be observed that I have omitted any refer- ence to recognition of Chinese goverment contrary to our obligations under Washington treaties, I raised this point in telegram No. 39 from Shanghai and your reply No. 9 to Hankow states that treaty would not necessarily debar recognition of Canton government. I have also substituted an "alteration" for "cancellation"

Former is preferable and programme ac-

of treaties.

cepted by Chen who in fact suggested it.

I refused to give Chen (gr.undec.) this statement

but let him take note of certain passages.

Chen was evidently prepared for our attitude to- wards recognition and said it would have deplorable ef- fect on Nationalist opinion if there was any suggestion of breakdown in our negotiations. He had in mind another formula which might meet the case and he (thought that) I would stay on at Hankow while it was being considered.

Text is as follows:

"British.

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