140
man of about 25 years of age, speaks English fairly well with
an American accent, but throughout the interview only expressed,
parrot-fashion, the aims and claims of the Kuomintang. He never
told us anything we had not read before. His manner, for which
he had the grace to apologise at the end of the interview,
blunt to the point of insolency. No doubt, he imagined he was
talking for publication.
He invited questions from those present but in
answer was in turn silent, evasive or abusive. If Mr. Lai is
representative of those in authority in Canton at the moment,
there is no hope for conciliation. I doubt, however, if he is
representative. Personally, I believe our presence was a
surprise. I think the object of Mr. Tsang's invitation was
to secure the names and addresses in Canton of correspondents
of British newspapers in Hong Kong for the purpose of intimida-
tion or, on occasion, the dissemination of Kuomintang propaganda.
I do not believe Mr. Tsang was sick enough not to be able to
see us last Tuesday. I imagine that he did not wish, as a
responsible official, to be interviewed for publication and delegated Mr. Lai instead. I think Mr. Lai, in turn, overstepped
the bounds of discretion and took advantage to "show off" before
representatives of the "Imperialists".
Mr. Burnett concurs with this view, and joins with
me in asking if you will be good enough, in view of the Daily
Press leading article in its issue of 11th May, to discourage
any questions which may arise at the next meeting between the members of the Hong Kong press and yourself?
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sd). B. Wylie.