No
Derpl
CONFIDENTIAL.
Five
sir,
29585
CO
29586
Rre 25 2013
12
HONGKONG,
GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
7th August, 1913.
In continuation of my Confidential Despatch
of the 6th instant, I have the honour to inform you that since it was written the following bewildering events havE
happened.
2.
The Acting Tu Tu referred to in my cypher telegram of the 5th instant vacated his high office almost
as soon as he was appointed. It is doubtful whether he was
favourably disposed towards the President. In his place the Provincial Assembly in which, owing to the departure
of many members who fled the City, the Kuo Ming T'ang had an overwhelming majority, elected another Military Officer,
who commands a Division opposed to the President, to be
Acting Tu Tu. This man's name is Cheng. He declares that
he will not submit to General Lung and he even talks, 20
it is reported, of another declaration of independence.
There is a rumour that last night serious fighting took
place outside the City between two Divisions of the Army
and there is grave fear of very serious disturbancos.
Meantime General Lung's force is not strong enough to force
its way into Canton. This is much to be regretted.
3.
With the concurrence of the General Officer
Commanding, I have suggested to the Commodore that it
would
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,
&C.
80. 1