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d their chance of escape would be small.
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I agree that there are no arguments against handing over persons convicted of crimes or violence and or complicity in their attempt, but I should like to be able to tell Chinese that cases of this kind will be decided by British authorities who will igp. omtd.]
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themselves as to guilt and not act solely upon information supplied by Japanese.
C.
tā.
I had an opportunity yesterday to discuss the whole question with Chiang Kai-shek and I explained to him frankly what our difficulties were and that we could not continue to ford protec- tion to people whose actions imperilled safety of our concession. He made no attempt to condone crimes of violence, but in regard to other cases he argued that persons concerned were guilty of no more than excessive patriotism and he made a strong appeal on their behalf, adding that action on lines suggested by consul-general would make deplorable impression. With all this I am bound to agree.
In all circumstances I adhere to my view that internment followed by speedy removal to Hongkong of all those who do not come into crimes of violence category is best and fairest solution. think I could get Governor to accept them and Chinese Government to pay for their keep. This would dispose of council's objections. At the same time Consul-General could let it be known that cases hereafter arising would be dealt with by expulsion and then he could show as little mercy as he liked. This would have the eifect of liquidating the situation as it now stands and leave us free to secure that it does not arise again. Meanwhile Chinese Government
I
will have had time to act upon a very solemn warning which I pro- pose to give them and a suggestion to the elfect that they should instruct their people in Tientsin to abstain from unneutral acts
including....
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