387
(o) From H.B,M's Consul-General, Canton, to His Majesty's
Minister, Peking, dated 27/12/15 : -
"General Lung, interviewed by me to-day, stated
"that the troops from Kwangsai and Kueichow are moving on
"Yunnanfu and that the movement is confined to Yunnan.
"He said he could answer for the loyalty of the Kwangsai
"Chiang Chun and that he had telegraphed to Military
"officers in Yunnan that he is supporting the Monarchy and he
"has urged them to do the same. He is confident that he can
"keep Kwangtung quiet and does not believe that the movement
"will spread or become serious, At present Lung is loyal
"to Yuan but there is some doubt if his loyalty would stand
"the teet of reverse. He suspects that the Cantonese party
"at Peking will seize the first opportunity that offers to
"oust him. 11
On the 28th December a press telegram from
Tientsin stated that Yunnan had declared its independence
and notified Consuls to prepare to safeguard the lives of
foreigners. The Military Governor is reported to be
leading the revolt. The Government despatched troops
southward with all haste.
On the 1st January His Excellency The Governor
of Hongkong received a telegram from His Majesty's Minister,
Peking, to the effect that the situation in the
neighbouring provinces is satisfactory and that the local
authorities profess their ability to maintain order and their
intention of supporting the President.
On the 6th January H.B.M's Consul-General, Canton,
telegraphed His Excellency The Governor of Hongkong as
follows:-
"Lung informs me as follows:- Notices were posted by "Chan at Waiohow but have been pulled down. Slight trouble
occurred there a few days ago and three rebels were killed.
No
"T