7
19. Gby Peking Tel. 175 of 2-3
20. F.O.
13.3.24
Propred instructions to 514 1.6..
Sechs C.O. Concurrence.
21. Lee Ion P. 2. File
(clayed for collection of 1922 ph.)
We have always been opposed to the
China Arms Embargo;
Hong Kong have opposed it
because it is primari
interest of Hong
a
s/primary
Kong that there should be a stable and friendly
government in Canton.
The Government of
Canton cannot be stable if it cannot get arms to
maintain itself, and it will not be friendly if
we prevent it obtaining those arms. Hong Kong
therefore has always itched to supply arms to
any Cantonese government likely to be friendly
towards them.
If the embargo is abandoned
the position will be that British nationals will
be able to supply arms to the recognised authorities
in China, and in the present state of affairs
that means that we shall be able to supply the
Cantonese Government, which, although owing a
nominal allegiance to Nanking, is, in practice,
Difficulties may, of course,
semi-independent.
arise if there is an open split between Nanking and
the Kuang si group, which controls Canton and Wuhan.
If that should happen we should presumably, having
recognised the Nanking Government, have to treat
Canton as a rebel government. However, despite
many rumours, the split has not taken place yet,
and we must hope that the differences between the
various factions will be removed without a conflict.