J. H. Oldham, Esq.,
International Missionary Council,
Edinburgh House,
2, Eaton Gate,
S.W. 1.
Henwood Farm,
Ashford, KENT.
352
15th July, 1925.
My dear Oldham,
You have doubtless aeen in the Press an announcement to the effect that in connection with the strike which is at present taking place in Hong Kong, the Governor has given warning that Chinese agitators who are intimidating those willing to work will be subject to flogging.
I cannot venture to express any opinion as to the effect which would be produced in the colony of Hong Kong by the employment of such methods of punishment, but I am greatly concerned as to the impression which such a step would, in my opinion, create in China.
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In the first place, as you doubtless know, the temper of the Chinese at the present moment is such that any act which to them has the appearance of harshness however it might be regarded in normal times is seized upon with avidity by those who are raising the cry of foreign aggression. We have already received serious proof of this fact in connection with the regrettable shooting occurrences at Shanghai and other places, all of which have been grossly exaggerated
The mere and misrepresented throughout the country. deportation of strike agitators and intimidators from Hong Kong would be not likely to cause much trouble, nor would it lend itself readily to exaggeration. Flogging on the other hand although possibly a more effective deterrent so far as Hong Kong is concerned would/
J
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