205
In
as this shows that the view of the late Commodore
in this respect is confirmed by his successor.
these circumstances we feal bound to acept the
opinion of the man on the spot. This in no way
modifies the opinion expressed by the General Staff
in C.I.D. Paper No. 722-B, quoted abor e in para.3.
that if Shameen is cut off from the outside world
a combined Naval, Military and Air operation would
harre to be undertaken to relieve it, but decreases
the probability of this contingency. We think it
not impossible, however, that the Cantonese Govern-
ment may have obtained sore mines for use in the
river. In general we think that this information
is of importance to the local Naval, Military and
Consular authorities in deciding their action in
such circumstances as may arise, rather than as
affecting the principles which His Majesty's Govern-
ment should lay down for their guidance.
10. We recommend that the instructions to the
local Naval, Military and Civil authorities should
be guided by the following principles:-
(1) The policy of His Majesty's Government
is to avoid becoming engaged in active hostilities
with the Chinese military forces, since this right.
unite the whole of China in a war against us.
They
must, therefore, avoid action calculated to precipi-
tate this contingency.
(2) Subject to this paramount consideration,
the Concessions are to be protected against mob
violence to the utmost extent possible
with the forces available locally, but, if
the continued occupation of the Concessions is
མ་Ú་