politicians, as well as European unofficials who
are of course in close contact with the mercantile
community of Hong Kong.
Send the telegramas drafted by Sir
Austen Chamberlain?
CYPHER TELEGRAM from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to
the Governor of Hong Kong.
(Sent 9.30 p.m. 8th November, 1926).
405
B.H.6
8.11.16.
GG
6.6626.
We are anxious to keep you fully informed as to our policy in China and to place before you at earliest possible moment the telegraphic and other information on which we have to act. This will enable you to discuss with your Council the broad lines of policy and thus to call their attention to the conditions in other parts of China and in our relations with foreign powers which His Majesty's Government are bound to take into account in deciding on their course, We attach the highest importance to the influence which you can thus exercise over opinion in your Council and in Hong Kong as well as to the help you can give by expressing with equal freedon your own views to us. But the telegrams themselves are highly confidential. They are sent for your personal guidance only and unless otherwise stated should not be communicated to your Council. It might well be disastrou if by any unguarded expression of opinion by an individua member of Council the intentions of His Majesty's Government were revealed before effect was given to them. There is all the greater danger because the telegrams der with a constantly changing situation to which His Majest Government must as constantly adjust their policy. I shall be glad to receive your assurance that you have
these conditions fully in mind and that you will take t
precautions required to preserve the strictly confiden!
character of the communications passing between His
Majesty's Minister in China and the home Government.
AMERY.