}
TRANSLATION
URGENT
Note from Minister for Foreign Affairs to H.B.M. Ambassador Dated 26.1.48
No. Ou 37/02016
Sir
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's Note No. 26 of 20th January 1948 concerning the burning down of the British Consulate General at Canton and other
British premises.
The Chinese Government consider this lawless act of ruffianly elements at Canton a very unfortunate incident, concerning which this Ministry have already expressed their regrets to the British Government. The Chinese Government have always held in high esteem the close and friendly relationship between the governments and peoples of our two countries, and have exerted their best efforts to prevent the occurrence of any incident which might adversely affect this relationship. the time of the occurrence of the incident in question, the peace
At preservation authorities at Canton endeavoured to suppress the lawless acts of the ruffianly elements and at the same time took steps to ensure the safety of the staff of the British Consulate- General and other British nationals. now still urgently investigating the details of the incident and
The Chinese Government are are strictly interrogating the suspects who were arrested on the spot.
When the detailed circumstances have been ascertained and the responsibility for the incident fixed, the Chinese Government will of course seek a reasonable settlement in accordance with the principles of international Law,
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.
(SLAL) WANG SHIH-CHICH.
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