198
4
becomes serious I am prepared to send one British company and four machine guns to Shameen. Navy proposes in such event to block entrance to river with "Hermes" and one cruiser, former used for bombing if considered desirable. Marines for boat guards. on lines of communication would also be provided by Navy.
APPENDIX II.
[Decypher. Telegram from Acting British Consul-General (Canton), No. 5,
dated January 13, 1927.]
MY telegram No. 3.
Local press is working up agitation over Hankow affair. General Labour Union held a meeting to discuss taking Shameen concessions. Meeting was apparently stopped by the police, but agitation continues. French and British concession defences. are being renewed. The French Consul and I have warned Ministry of Foreign Affairs that an attempt by the mob to seize the island will be repelled by force. If, however, this entails firing, which, of course, will only be resorted to in an extremity, Cantonese troops might take part. General battle would commence and it might then be impossible to evacuate immediately, especially as the French are determined to hold their concession to the last and we could not leave them in the lurch.
The Nationalist Government cannot want serious trouble at Canton, which is the base of their campaign and source of most of their money and supplies. I earnestly recommend, therefore, that I be authorised to seek an interview with the General in Command of the forces here and tell him verbally that if we are attacked by troops we shall shell or bomb vital points and finally blockade Canton. In such a case the French would be with us and possibly the Americans and Japanese, who will, I think, help to defend the island. 1 would make a communication in as friendly and tactful a manner as possible, but if Nationalist Government see we are prepared to take strong action here where it can be taken, it will help negotiations at Hankow At the same time it is to be hoped that theories regarding unity of China will not prevent understanding with Nationalist Government. The disruption of China is their affair. Ours is the immediate destruction of our interests.
Addressed to Foreign Office; repeated to Peking No. 8, Tokyo, Shanghai and
Hankow.
O
Page 180Page 181