-23-
CVII.
To Chiang Kai Shek:-
"The Anglo-Japanese Agreement is contradictory
to the spirit of the Nine-Power Treaty and the resolutions of the League of Nations. The Penang Chinese strongly object. Will back up your policy of resisting to the end."
To the Chinese Ambassador in London:-
"We exhort the British Government through you to
remember that every democratic nation expects the foremost democratic Fower to do its duty during the critical discussions over the Tientsin blockade by adhering unswervingly to the spirit and letter of all the international treaties guaranteeing the territorial integrity of China and the mainten- ance of the open door, by remembering the terrible sacrifices which China has undergone in an attempt to uphold that integrity and to merit the approbation and help of her guarantors, and lastly by not gratifying the wish entertained in some quarters that the day is not far distant when Britain will exchange her remaining shreds of respectability for the flamboyant kimono of the Samurai.
The Kuala Lumpur meeting decided to send a telegram to the Prime Minister. The text was as follows:
"Misleading rumours are being widely circulated
regarding the Anglo-Japanese talks. The British Government, having declared no change of policy in Asia, we request you to make an official statement to give further material support in order to remove misunderstanding of Malayan Chinese. The encouragement of aggression not only destroys Far Eastern interests, but will nullify the efforts of those working for the peace front and wreck the civilization of the world."
The Malacca meeting decided to send telegrams to all leaders in Britain who are not in office backing-up the
Singapore telegram.
The Ipoh meeting decided to send four telegrams; to the Chinese Ambassador, Washington, Mr. Chamberlain, Chiang Kai Shek and the International Peace Campaign, London. The texts were:-
(i)
"Inform President Roosevelt we support the cablegram
sent by the Overseas Chinese Relief Committee.
We sincerely thank him for his decision to abrogate the treaty with Japan and we hope it will help to end aggression against China."
(ii) "During the undeclared war, British aid to China has
been greatly appreciated and any compromise with Japan would be extremely prejudicial to Chinese prestige and interests. We appeal to you to uphold the Nine-Power Treaty and the resolution of the League Committee,"