67
2.
for the Marshal to withstand Japanese offers since the
point would be pressed that friendly relations between
Hongkong and Canton had no solid foundation.
(4)
Special delegate for foreign affairs at Canton
intimated in conversation with His Majesty's Consul July
17th that Japanese pressure on Chinese Government was
narrowing acutely.. Japanese were trying to force China into some sort of alliance involving elimination of all
Chinese leaders who were not pro-Japanese. This was the
reason for refusal of Chiang Kai-shek to return to Nanking
and for retirement to Tsingtao of Wang C.W. Special
delegate added that the question now facing him and all
Chinese officials was, whether to become pro-Japanese or
to retire.
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 786; re- peated to Mission, Canton and Hongkong Saving.