very active regarding concession. He has reported to Tokyo that
'Portugal under British pressure had ruthlessly overridden
existing rights of Belgian capital and had granted concessions to
Australia'. He states that on 2nd December he cross-examined
Portuguese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs re reported
concession to Australian company which Vice Minister said is
'entirely news to him'.

Japanese Minister also reported to Tokyo that Australian company
were holding meeting on 14th December to draw up final agreement
and urged that he should be instructed to lodge formal application
for formation of a company (similar to Companhia Ultramarina)
before 14th. Japanese Government would have to put up 10,000.

It rather looks as if Japanese Minister's present activity is to
save his own face.

Foreign Office are asking the Ambassador in Lisbon [2] to report
on this.

STIRLING