34 35
Relatives of Canton Officials in Hongkong.
460
It is the
104. Many high officials in the Canton Government have had their families in Hongkong from time to time during the strike. Wu Han-min's daughters, and C. C. Wu's mother and children are still here; and there was an influx of political refugees when Chang Kai-shek turned against his associates after the assassina- tion of Liao Chung-kai. Among them Wu Han-min's elder brother came down, and wanted to stay here, but he was very properly told that his presence was not desired. opinion of the loyal Chinese that the traditional liberal policy of England which has made Hongkong a city of refuge for Chinese politicians, ought now to be modified. When it is a question of receiving refugees whose offence is purely one of disagreement with his own people, the policy is wise. But where a whole party has been openly hostile to us, and has attempted to ruin us, it is foolish to give shelter to one faction of that party just because another faction has thrust it off the spoils of office. Such kind- ness earns not gratitude but contempt, and we should make it clear that we will not in future give asylum to those who have been our enemies.
Reasons for our Success in Maintaining Peace and Order.
105. It is generally admitted by visitors to the Colony and other observers that peace and order has been very successfully main- tained during the strike. What were the factors, apart from the particular measures, which have contributed to this success? They were, first, the co-operation of almost the entire foreign community and the Chinese of the upper and middle class with the Government; and, secondly, the close co-operation between. the Government and the Chinese representatives.
106. For about ten days before the strike, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs was in daily touch with the two Chinese members of the Legislative Council, endeavouring to prevent the strike, and preparing to meet the danger, if the strike should break out. From the 19th June to the date of writing this, the Hon. Mr. D. W. Tratman (Secretary for Chinese Affairs), Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher (Assistant Colonial Secretary) and I have met every morning to discuss matters concerning the strike. Mr. Chow Shou-son and Mr. T. H. King were occasionally present during the first fortnight. Since then and after the return of Mr. P. P. J. Wodehouse, Mr. Chow Shou-son and Mr. Wodehouse have met the other three almost daily. There were also occasional meetings from time to time as emergencies arose. I should like to emphasise what a happy inspiration it was to hold these 9 o'clock conferences with the Government representatives. Mr. Chow Shou-son and I felt that we had the full sympathy and under- standing of the Government in a task which was often difficult and always anxious. We were instantly informed of any news. received by the Government, and this implicit confidence as well as the sympathetic atmosphere has been the source of great encouragement to us. One morning in the early part of July, His Excellency the Governor visited Dr. Tso's department in the Labour Control, and also my office when some of the heads of the sections were present, and he personally thanked them for their efforts. This gracious act greatly encouraged the men to better efforts.