CO129-563-5 Macao- relationship with Hong Kong 6-7-1937 - 13-12-1937 — Page 55

No.391

(F 6879/205/10)

C

FOREIGN OFFICE, s.w.1.

23rd September, 1937.

Sir,

55

The Portuguese Ambassador asked to see me this

morning. After some general conversation on the international

situation His Excellency spoke of his anxiety to press forward

rapidly with the preparations for the visit of the British

Military Mission to Portugal. I cordially concurred and

undertook to do my best to let him have the draft communication

by the end of this week.

Macao.

2. Senhor Monteiro then spoke of the situation in the

Far East which he clearly regarded as extremely disturbing.

We would be aware of the important Portuguese interests at

In view of recent developments of the situation they

had reinforced both their army and navy at Macao and now had

a very considerable force available. Recently a somewhat

entertaining incident had occurred when the Japanese and

Chinese had each offered to take over the defence of Macao

against the other. Needless to say the offers had been firmly

declined, and Japanese destroyers which had recently been using

the Macao territorial waters had been asked to keep out. They

had complied. His Excellency spoke of his Government's keen

desire that close contact should be kept between the Governor

of Macao, of whose abilities he spoke in highest terms, and

the Governor of Hong Kong. I concurred in this and undertook

to see that the Governor of Hong Kong was communicated with in

this sense if such action had not already been taken.

His Excellency

Sir Charles Wingfield, K.C.M.G.,

etc.,

etc.,

Lisbon.

etc.,

I am, etc.