C
· 3 ·
G.
extension of Yangtsze sniping tactics to the Canton
river.
4.
178
An interesting, though presumably unintentional disclosure of the real aims of these professional
boycotters is given in the latest Bress report of the
Society's activities, which states that it has, or had,
formulated a scheme for the issue of permits for British
goods on a fixed scale of fees.
5.
I dwell upon this matter with such insistence,
because we are not yet out of the danger zone. The
Chinese have not yet been taught that the so-called
>
"economic weapon", i.e., the anti-foreign boycott, may
become a boomerang and hit those who wield it harder than
those at whom it is aimed. The threat may, therefore,
again be made on the least provocation, or even without
provocation; and I am convinced that our only safe course
will be to take prompt and vigorous counter-measures,
whenever the first signs of an impending anti-British
boycott are seen.
6. The Canton position is more obscure than ever. General Cheung Fat-fui's forces have arrived from the
North River and have been welcomed by the city; but whether they bring peace or an attack on the regime of
General Li Chai-sum is a matter on which no one seems to
have any certain information. One class of rumour states that General Cheung has adhered to the declaration reported in paragraph 2 of my Secret Despatch of the 1st September, and placed himself under the orders of General Li, who will send him to the East River area to combat
Generals Ho Lung and Ip Ting. An equally strong rumour stated that General Cheung insists that General Li shall vacate Kuangtung either to take up his post in the new
Military
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