CO129-563-5 Macao- relationship with Hong Kong 6-7-1937 - 13-12-1937 — Page 63

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the Portuguese request in this matter.

Mr. Henderson said that, as far as

1

he was aware the Portuguese did not desire any

specific commitments on the part of His Majesty's

Government, or that any particular measures should

a then whalf

be taken by British Forces in the Far East. Haeae

9, however, TICI VOUS

the Japanese threat of

exposition, and He assumed that all that was required

horseth lines t

was a somewhat vague but comforting discussion

local defence if and when the visit took place.

This would enable the Foreign Office to tell the

off cooperation (including

Portuguese Ambassador that the Acting Governor had

been authorised to discuss defence questions. He did

not suggest, however, that any great scope should be

given to the Acting Governor in discussing these

matters.

Sir H. Moore asked if the approach by the

Portuguese Government was based on their Treaty rights

with Great Britain. Mr. Henderson replied that as far

(see 4 on

as he was aware, Treaty obligations had not been mentioned

Lu

th in the discussion between the Portuguese Ambassador and

Endogan

Sir A. Gallagher, or at his interview with the Secretary

52943/28 Secret).

of