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39
and Hunan showed little or no disposition to join him in fighting for Nationalist principles, and the President felt the time had come to launch the order for his dismissal.
It is too early yet to judge of the amount of opposition which this decisive action will call forth, though it is reported that the Kiangsi troops have already withdrawn from the Hupeh frontier to Kiukiang Angry protests and minor conflicts may be expected, but it is not probable that one province will attempt the unequal task of resisting the strong northern force which is prepared to make the Central Government's mandate effective.
The President for his part is not likely to push matters to extremes once the offending Tutu is removed; in fact, the signs of compromise are discernible in the new appointments to provincial posts which accompany the order of dismissal, most of the nominees being members of the Nationalist party and subordinates of the ex-Tuţu, while for the time being the Tutuship is entrusted to Li Yuan-hung at Wuchang.
The gauntlet has been thrown down, and by the measure of success which attends the coercion of Kiangsi may be gauged Yuan Shih-kai's chances of gaining control over the southern provinces generally.
I am keeping in touch with Vice-Admiral Jerram and have asked him to arrange for a gunboat to be stationed at Kiukiang for the present, but His Majesty's consul reports that all is quiet there and that no danger is apprehended to the British coinmunity resident at that port and at the neighbouring summer resort of Kuling.
I have, &c.
[30025]
No. 75.
B. ALSTON.
Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey-(Received June 30.)
(No. 149.) (Telegraphic.) R.
CHINESE Government desire to pay off arrears of indemnity up to 31st December,
Peking, June 30, 1913. 1912, in sterling in London on 3rd July out of the proceeds of the Reorganisation Loan, and request to be informed of the sum due, so that they may instruct banks accordingly.
If you agree to this course please telegraph total amount payable in sterling. including interest, to 3rd July.
[30307]
No. 76.
(No. 167.)
(Telegraphic) R.
Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Alston.
YOUR telegram No. 149 of 30th June.
Foreign Ofice, July 3, 1913.
Amount of balance up to 31st December last, with interest on arrears up to 3rd July, is 229,3331 88. 5d.
[32632]
(No. 156.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
No. 80.
Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received July 15.)
MY despatch No. 251 of the 12th June.
Peking, July 15, 1913.
As the Kiangsi troops showed signs of disaffection, northern troops were moved into the province to overawe them, with the result that a collision occurred not far from Kiukiang and Kuling, the neighbouring foreign summer resort. His Majesty's consul at Kiukiang reports that there is no reason to consider foreign lives and property in danger, and that several foreign gunboats are in port.
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