the
Paraphrase telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong to th53 Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Dated 26th December.
(Received Colonial Office 11.34 a.m.26th December, 1925)
Secret
Canton situation. I reported in my telegram of the
6th December that Admiral Li was very short of ammunition. No
doubt he was short of money also and he has now withdrawn his
cruisers leaving himself December 18th for Shanghai. I should
have requested him had he stayed longer to deal with the
Hakka pirates. The S.S.Tung Chow (China Navigation Coy).
.was
seized by the latter on December 19th when half way between
Shanghai and Weihaiwei. The Captain was seriously wounded
and the vessel was taken on December 22nd to Bias Bay
immediately adjacent to Hong Kong territorial waters. When I
met Sung Tzman from Canton on December 19th he informed me
that now that their enemies in the field had been disposed of
the Canton Government intended to exterminate the brigands
M. and pirates infesting Kwangting. I have requested Hey Consul
General Canton to point out to him with reference to the
conversation that if the Canton Government do not take steps
to destroy this lawless gang of pirates in Bias Bay friendly
relations between Hong Kong and Canton will be jeopardised
and that I am looking to them to take immediate measures to
clean up the bay and the country round.
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