DEAR SIR,
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APPENDIX V.
To the Editor, Canton Gazette.
We should like to inform you that the German Merchants residing in Tungshan are eager to express their sincere sympathy with the unfortunate victims of the Shameen terrible incidents, which happened yesterday in connection with the procession of Cantonese peasants, workers and merchants, students and soldiers. After receiving several reports of the merciless killing and wounding of hundreds of Chinese citizens, we communicated with many of our compatriots, and are able to state that we did not meet anyone of German nationality who would not have expressed his heartiest sympa- thy with his Chinese friends as regards the Shameen horror. Steps have been taken to approach the German Consul-General in this matter to explain to the Chinese Government and guilds the view rather all Germans are taking in this un- precedented using of arms against demonstrators. We would consider it a great favour if you would express our point of view not only in the Canton Gazette but likewise pass it on to the local Chinese newspapers for publication.
Enclosing our cards,
We beg to remain, dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
CANTON, TUNGSHAN, June 24.
GERMAN MERCHANTS.
( 37 )
APPENDIX
W.
(Extract from The Hongkong Telegraph dated 30th June, 1925.)
Considerable discussion was caused yesterday by the reproduction in the Telegraph of a letter appearing in the Canton Gazette and alleged to be signed by "German Merchants" residing in Tungshan, purporting to be an ex- pression of sympathy with the Chinese for the merciless killing and wounding" at Shameen last Tuesday. It was on the face of it a rather remarkable document to be really genuine, and no one, we are sure, will be surprised to learn that it is widely believed that the letter was an absolute fake. At any rate, it is repudiated not only by Germans residing in Hongkong, but also by many who were at Tungshan and have since come to this Colony.
A representative of the Telegraph who called on the Ger- man Consul-General for Hongkong, this morning, was informed that efforts are being made to establish the authorship of the document. The Consul said that he learned yesterday that there was some form of letter relating to the alleged German attitude towards the Shameen affair, and not having seen a copy of it he called on Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher to enquire whether the local Government had any news of the document in question. He was informed that no such document had been received, and, in any case, not much importance would be attached to it. Later, when the Consul read the reproduced letter in the Telegraph, which constituted his first knowledge of its actual contents, he immediately wired to his colleague, the German Consul at Canton, asking that an enquiry be made as to the authors of the document. A reply is still awaited.
The Consul expressed his disbelief in the genuineness of the letter. He said that all the Germans here, including the leading merchants of the community who have come down
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