CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 160

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public opinion at least in china where this savours

of prevarication; fact that we had offered to negotiate on specific and generous lines with the

south and been turned down would I am sure count

for much.

It is then my considered opinion that we

should get to grips with the South forthwith or we

may (1) be accused by Chen of playing with him and

showing bad faith in not resuming conversations as

promised;

(2) lose any chance there may be of coming to

terms with them of which I am still, despite sobering

influence of the North, optimistic enough to cherish

hopes. It is for this reason that beg most

earnestly for urgent consideration of my proposals,

They are as follows:-

1. To proceed myself or to send Mr.O'Malley

accompanied by Mr. Teichman to Hankow to continue

conversations where they were left off.

I am inclined not to go myself at this stege

for I do not wish them to think that they have me at

their beck and call: but this I could decide later.

2. That we be authorised (a) to discuss off1-

cially i.e. on formal diplomatic basis Chen's un-

official and personal formula of December 17th (see

my telegram No. 26 from Hankow); 1.e. to state

officially that His Majesty's Government are ready to negotiate with them as government of the country

under/

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