CO129-507-3 China- anti-piracy precautions 31-10-1927 - 25-10-1928 — Page 193

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take joint action in the altered circumstances.

At any rate

the idea of united action by the five Powera was dropped.

Monsieur Varê said that if the Japanese and British

Admirals were to meet he could authorise the Italian Admiral

to attend as an observer. Perhaps something might come of that.

Monsieur de Martel intimated that he might perhaps be

able to do the same, at the same time asking the Quai d'Orsay

if they would agree to participate in acting by four Powers.

Monsieur Varé said that it must of course be under-

stood that action even by four Powers could not be guaranteed

for he was not in a position to guarantee any naval action by

Italy. He could only agree to his Admiral attending an

Admirals' meeting as an observer and without prejudice to the

attitude of the Italian Government.

Monsieur de Martel enquired what the position was in

relation to the Diplomatic Body.

Mr. Yoshizawa asked whether the stage had been

reached when a report could be made to the Diplomatic Body

which had appointed the Committee.

Monsieur de Martel said that the question turned on

whether an attempt was to be made to induce the four Governmenta

to take action exclusive of the United States.

Sir M. Lampson expressed the view that it would be a

good thing for the four Powers to try to make some progress and

to authorise their naval experts to discuss the matter.

Monsieur Varé suggested that perhaps the Diplomatic

Body might simply be informed that the question had been

referred to the naval experts for discussion.

Monsieur de Martel pointed out that this would be

practically against his instructions. He was prepared to ask

his Government whether they were ready to participate in action

by/