194
7
13 0.
Way body de
Irran
Generally more sotivity is noticeable in the defences,
STATOH The situation at Swatow does not seem to have
changed during the past few days. The strike and boycott
contimes but no untoward event has occurred which gives
rise for any comment.
H.M.S. "Bluebell" was relieved by H.M.S."Toxglove" on
Saturday, 25th July, and proceeded to Hong Kong for fuel, stores, and rest for the Officers and men. H.M.S."Bluebell"
returned to Swatow on Saturday, 1st August 1925.
AMOX. Up to the present owing to the action of the British Consul at Amoy, Kr.Hewlett, and the ready co- operation of Captain Lin, 0.M.G., Chinese Navy, Amoy has
been the least disturbed of most Chinese ports. Doubtless
for this reason she has been the object of attack recently by agitators in increasing numbers and reports now indicate that law and order is being gradually undermined.
On 27th July Lim Tiong Hook, an influential Chinese merchant who had been oo-operating with the British Consul and Captain Lin in suppressing the strikes was duringtaka assassinated in the street and the Chinese Secretary of the Micipal Council was wounded. Boycott in very severe and the strike plamed for the let August seemed inevitable and I accordingly ordered H.M.S."Foxglove" to proceed to Amoy from Swatow at daylight on Saturday, 1st August.
"Foxglove" now reports that the strike is postponed until the 4th August and that 500 Cantonese agitators have also arrived. It is probable that the situation may become seriouds especially the problem of maintaining order in the international Settlement, and I am therefore directing "Foxglove" to remain there for the present as no other warship is in port. The Japanese Consul has asked for Japanese Marship to be sent.
$325
HOTHON.