893.51/2601
The British Chargé (Lindsay) to the Secretary of State
Sir: With reference to Lord Grey’s note No. 899 of the 20th instant, I have the honour to inform you, by direction of my Government that the Japanese Government now agree with the views of His Majesty’s Government as to the gradual nature of the disbandment [Page 555] of the superfluous Chinese Troops, also that a commencement with the disbandment of the North and South is to be made a condition of the loan. They still maintain however that the disbandment must not be subject to any foreign control nor do they share the view of the French Government that disbandment should be made a first charge on the proceeds of the loan.
I am to add that His Majesty’s Government are not prepared to press these two latter points and the French Government are being urged to fall into line.
I have [etc.]