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at Canton visited the Colony to discuss the general situation with
me. We are both concerned for the safety of the important Sheklung
bridge and we are considering whether we should not make a re-
-commendation to His Majesty's Government to permit the despatch of troops from this Colony to guard it. I am in communication with
the General Officer Commanding on the subject.
9.
Absolute tranquillity prevails in the Colony and I am glad to say that the Chinese Community as a whole has
shown that it has assimilated my constant instruction to dis-
-associate themselves from interference in Chinese politics. There is however great despondency as to the condition of the neighbour- -ing province and on the 15th. instant Mr. Lau Chu-pak, Chinese Member of Legislative Council, came to see me and informed me that he had been approached by a leading Merchant at Canton to ascertain whether the British Government would not be prepared to intervene with a view to the protection of life and property in Canton and the restoration of order in the Province. I reminded Mr. Lau that as England was at war it was not likely that she could undertake such responsibility at the present time and I hinted that such action might precipitate intervention by Japan. This Mr. Lau said was the last thing that the Cantonese would desire.
10.
It is estimated that during the past two weeks 70,000 Chinese have sought refuge here from Canton.
11.
I have sent a copy of this Despatch to His Majesty's Minister at Peking.
P.S.
I have the honour to be,
Sir.
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Amaz
Governor,&c..
I attach a translation of a Manifesto received from the persons concerned in the declaration of the independence of the two provinces of Kwangtung and Kwang Sai. I have taken no notice of this document.