CO129-477 - Public Offices - 1922 — Page 191

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had been gone through that Szechuan could secure

internal peace.

In reporting as I have, I am conscious of

exposing myself to being considered an alarmist,

never an enviable reputation. This, however, is not

the case. I see a situation slowly and steadily

developing, a situation which, given certain

circumstances, must lead to a crisis. I also see

incidents like the Pei-lu-Ting case, the bombardment

of Wanhsien, the sinking of junks, the huge claims

of French Missions assisting the development of

the situation, It is not a question of quoting

specific incidents where everything has to be

watched so carefully, but I have no hesitation in

re-affirming my considered consideration that directly

the reunification of Szechuan is an accomplished fact, whether in four or five years or even longer,

it will immediately be followed by anti-foreign opposition on the part of the officials, which

will eventually end in anti-foreign outbursts.

I have, etc.,

(signed) W. Meyrick Hewlett.

Consul General.