'This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be turned to the Foreign Ofos if not required for official use.
CLINA
Decode.
Sir R.Macleay, (Peking),
October 14th 1926.
D.
1.20 p.m.
R.
No.375.
9.0 a.m.
(3).
October 14th 1926. October 14th 1926.
360
My immediately preceding telegram.
Following received from Canton No.90, begins:- Hongkong scheme to be effective would entail destruction of villages and native craft as actual
This would pirates could probably not be identified. lay us open to charge of barbarous treatment of
innocent villagers.
I suggest as an alternative that we occupy Bias Bay with small garrison, at the same time giving Canton government public undertaking to withdraw it as soon as it can be replaced by a permanent garrison of Chinese
troops.
If this is not feasible then I think Hongkong
scheme is better than doing nothing.
In either case action should come immediately
I recom- after piracy of a British ship by this gang. mend, however, that I be authorised to inform Cant on government forthwith that action decided on will be taken after next piracy unless they act in the meantime.
I have already urged in vain that Canton govern- ment should seek British co-operation in dealing with this menace, but threat of independent action may have
sonie effect.
I have asked Governor of Hongkong to send you in-
formation regarding Hsin-fung.