47
2. Russian policy in the Far East is clearly to
concentrate attack in the first instance on Great Britain
alone and if successful to attack thereafter other
"Im erialist" Powers. Bolshevism is a militant adament
doctrine and is spreading in Southern China with consequential labour disorganisation. Until red Russians are eliminated
from South, normal and friendly relations between ourselves
and nationalist Government cannot be restored. This
elimination should be the principal aim of British policy
in China and it is imperative that if coercive measures are
used against South Russian steamships should be excluded
from West River and Yangtze and be prevented from supplying
South with munitions of war.
3. As regards Japanese attitude see A. Peking
telegram to Foreign Office No.47 of January 7th reporting
that Japanese Minister was sure that we should all be
driven to using force sooner or later and hankered after
joint action by ourselves Japan France and America. At this
interview the questions of blockade of Yangtze and Canton
was touched upon. B. Shanghai telegram to Peking No.22 of
January 17th repeated to the Foreign Office concerning
discussion between Barton and the Japanese Consul at
Shanghai as to the use of force. C. Peking telegram to
the Foreign Office 112 of January 18th reporting further
discussion with the Japanese Minister as to the use of
force.
An entente with Japan would be invaluable.
4. In Boxer year authorities of Kwangtung Kuangsi
Anhui Chekiang Kiangsu Hunan Hupei and Shantung deliberately
disobeyed imperial edict from Peking ordering extermination
of foreigners. Thus middle and South China stood aloof
from war in the North. Under the present circumstances
Northern militarists who are actually at war with the South
would