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that these men see most is General Li Fuk-lam, whose men General
a
Li regards as no better than rabble formed of ex-bandits.
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HIS EXCELLENCY says that if he has any important matter to commun·
icate with Canton, he will use no other as his intermediaries
than Sir Shouson Chow and Dr. Kotewall as representing Hongkong
and Mr. Luk Wan-chau as representing Canton. He agrees that we
must employ men who are discreet and have a full sense of their
responsibilities.
MR. LUK says that shortly after he went up to Canton with Mr. Fung
Tsuk-man, he desired to come back, but General Li, having
regard to the wild rumours that were then circulating about
Chang Fat-fui, wanted him to wait until there was something
substantial to bring back to Hongkong, so that such rumours
could be effectually dispelled.
>
HIS EXCELLENCY expresses his pleasure at the good news that Mr. Luk
brings. He is sure that Hongkong and Canton will now become
really good friends. He is very grateful to General Li for
what he has already done, and he assures him through Mr. Luk
that he will do everything he can in Hongkong to bring about
better relationship and better trade between the two places.
MR. LUK says that he will accordingly convey this message to General.
Li. The Canton Government are now working for the disbandment
of the strikers by the 10th October.
HIS EXCELLENCY says that he should like once more to bring up the
question of piracy near Bias Bay. He hopes that the Canton
Government will take early and effective measures to eradicate
the pirates in this part of the province. The British Author-
ities were compelled, very much against their wishes, to take
the two independent operations against pirates at Bias Bay.
His Excellency would have been more pleased if the Canton
Government were to do the work themselves.
There is a big robber called Wong Chun-wa at Shataukok, who