364
[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.]
149
From CHINA.
Decypher.
Sir M. Lampson (Poking),
October 7th, 1931.
D.
R.
8.00 p.m. October 7th, 1931.
(361)
No. 481. (Wireless).
Your telegram No.294.
I am grateful for this definite and most helpful
expression of your Lordship's views.
I concur in canse of action suggested in 2nd.
paragraph subject to proviso that we must shape our
course according to circumstances of the moment and
might if events were favourable conceivably want once
more ourselves to take the initiative without waiting on
America.
If so I should propose to do so without further
instructions.
edged
I am definitely against suggestion in 4th paragraph
because (a) I think it would be a mistake in tactics
to address any such note to Chinese Government at
present time. (b) it might turn out a very double
weapon and (c) it would do no good and might do much
harm whether by merely irritating Chinese or by provoking
premature discussions. It might be possible to make some
use of argument suggested in verbal negotiations later on
if and when political situation cleared but I am not sure.
I remain convinced that, if we can get treaty through by January 1st 1962 we should make every effort to do so, we could then if we so desiïod hold up ratification and enforcement (see drart treaty (gr, undecypherable) note) while waiting for others to come into line.
Whether we shall be able to do so or not must depend on Chinese political situation rather than on us.
I shall now work on above lines adopting my action to situation as and when it develops.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.