which the British can proceed to build up pure and
non-political, economic relations between China and
England. England regards her trade abroad as her
life-blood, and the National Government will open the
markets of China to all who do not treat China as their
semi-colony or protectorate. The British merchants also
Normal conditions have
have their duty to perform.
128
in fact been restored in Hankow, and the British can
resume their business in peace. But the British merchants
refuse to do so, and this will mean a permanent injury
to British commerce and to the prosperity of Hankow.
Their deliberate suspension of business is one of
their craft schemes. They have stubbornly with one
accord and quite unnecessarily gathered in the premises
of the Asiatic Petroleum Company, and some of them
even sleep on the floors, and are little better off
than if they were soldiers resisting a siege. From this
it is evident that they are carrying out some crafty
scheme.