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both to Kuangtung and to the Colony, but he makes it perfectly clear that he will retaliate against Hong Kong if action is taken against him.
I am satisfied that he really desires to rein on good terms with us as he has recently expressed readiness to co-operate with His Majesty's naval forces in en atteck on pirates in the Delta but I er: equally satisfied that, if his present offer is rejected he will carry out his threats and start a boycott of Hong Kong und of Fritish vessels,
He clearly regards Creat Britain & the prine
nover in the matter. I urge ost stron ly the acceptance
of his offer as enormous trade interests will be ruined
by an open breach, Among the Chinese abroad Sun's influ-
ence is as strong as ever wiki the Chinese in Malaya will certainly follow his lead.
he cutes Sun vill for a short time hold his hand but that before the end of the year he must teke action as any^ surplus money which is released then to the Peking Govern- ment will be used to finance further invasions of Kuan tung.
If it is illy decided to take action against him which I repeat would in my opinion be disastrous to British trade I urge that Treat Pritain should keep as
far as possible in the book roud and let the lead lə tuken
by other Powers those pecuniary interests are involved but who do not stand to lose to the same extent by a trade boycott.
In case the question of a Flockade is r: isec
again I rould add that unless I receive explicit instruc- tions from His Majesty's Goverment to titor. I am sending a copy of this telegram I cannot allow this colony to be forced into taking an active part in such drastic action.
I regard the situation as very serious indeed and
am convinced that drastic action against Sun till meen disaster to this Jolony, to Pritish trade and to our interests throughout the Far East e.g., Malaya where the
numerous
¡
A