476
I wished to see which way the cat was going
to jump: whether Chan Kwing Ming was strong enough to hold out against Sun Yat Sen, or, alternatively, whether fun, if he regained power, would rely as before on the assistance of the labour unions and the extremist party of the Kwok Man Tong or would establish a stable Government based on the support of the respectable classes. The answer is still uncertain: it is impossible to foresee from day to day what will happen in Canton. A fortnight ago it looked as if Sun Yat Sen, who seems to have returned with his
ideas and enthusiasms much modified, would establish a sound administration not dependent upon communistic support: last week it appeared that he was little better than a prisoner in the hands of one of the rival military factions. The cat, in fact, has not yet jumped and behaves more like a weather-cock.
13.
Until it is quite certain that Sun Yat Sen
will not be compelled, in order to maintain his position,
to throw in his lot once more with the extremiste, it would
be a very grievous mistake to do anything which would
precipitete a political agitation here. I have indicated
the policy which I consider should be followed when times
again become normal. Till then I strongly deprecate
anything in the nature of political change in Hongkong.
Epa
I have the honour to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient
humble servant,
7.e. Statte
12.
Governor, &c.