This Document Is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be
returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
39
75
(F. 6313/151/10).
ΤΟ
CHINA.
Cypher telegram to Sir M. Lampson (Wei-hai-wel).
Foreign Office, 4th August, 1927. 7.00 p.m.
No. 2.
In view of last paragraph of your telegram No.
1156 and some earlier telegrams I think that it may be
of use to you that I should state the attitude of His
Majesty's Government with regard to the threat or use
of force in China for the attainment of political ends
as distinct from the protection of life.
The decision of His Majesty's Government to
despatch the defence force to Shanghai was based solely
on the urgent need for the protection of that great
community. The military advisers of His Majesty's
Goverment were and are definitely opposed to a dis-
semination of such forces as are available and His
Majesty's Government were obliged to recognise that
similar armed protection by troops could not be afforded
at all points where British settlements existed or
British interests were involved. For the protection of
Peking and Tientein they have always felt that the main
reliance must be placed on Powers which took a lesser
part in the defence of Shanghai whilst special instruc- tions were issued dealing with possible eventualities
at Canton. It may be necessary from time to time to
revise these instructions or to consider afresh
particular cases, but in all cases hitherto the protec- tion of life has been the primary and dominating
consideration..
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