CO129-502-7 China- general situation 4-3-1927 - 26-4-1927 — Page 52

55

The objection in regard to the occupation of Chinese

territory no longer applies when sanctions are under

consideration, but the above objection in regard to tho

availability of Military forces still holds good.

Nevertheless, in view of the fact that almost all

effective sanctions in the Yangtse region aro ruled out

in present circumstances, as explained in the foregoing

paragraphs, we think that the possibilities of action in

the neighbourhood of Canton ought to be further explored. The Chief of the Imperial General Staff has accordingly undertaken to instruct the General-Officer-Commanding

at Hong-Kong, in conoort with the Senior Naval Officer,

to report his general views as to the feasibility of the

operation and the forces required in present circunstances. The Chief of the Naval Staff is, at the same time,

authorising the Sonior Naval Officer to confer with the

General-Officer-Commanding, and is instructing him that, if aerial recommaissance and photographs are considerod desirable, he should first ascertain from the Acting Consul-General at Canton whether there is any political

objection. The Chief of the Naval Staff is also asking

the Senior Naval Officer to consider whether aerial

reconnaissanco would militate against surprise and ought,

therefore, to be reserved until attack is imminent.

We recommend that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs should send a telegram to the Acting Consul-General at Canton, warning him that he may be approached on the subject by the Senior Naval Officer, and (if the Secretary of State thinks fit) giving the Consul-General an expression of his own views on the political side of the question. We suggest that the Governor of Fong-Kong should be informed.

Before expressing any final view on the desirability of operation

go

against the Dane Island and Bogue Forts, we consider that the subject requires to be explored in detail.

--7-