CO537-3705 — Page 206

Cypher/OTF

43

POLITICAL DISTRIBUTION

FROM NANKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Sir R. Stevenson. NO. 62.

January 17th, 1948.

Repeated to Hong Kong..

IMMEDIATE.

D. 9.10.a.m. January 17th, 1948.

R. 10.30.a.m. January 17th, 1948.

Addressed to the Foreign Office telegram No, 62, repeated to Hong Kong.

Light.

Canton outrage is, needless to say, headline news in all Chinese and foreign newspapers..

2. General line taken by Chinese press is that incident is to be deplored but that it resulted from indignation of populace over unjustified action against squatters. Student's and other organisations are exhorted to continue with their work and to refrain from allowing themselves to be made use of by elements who are fishing in troubled waters. They should allow the matter to be settled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Suggestion is that "supporters" are Communist). There is no (repeat no) inference that outrage shows lack of precautions on the part of Canton authorities who knew of impending demonstration at least twenty-four hours before it took place.. It should be noted that the demonstration was actually led in its earlier stages by Chairman of Provisional Council. Nor is there any disposition on the part of the press to blame those who for weeks past have been sedulously fanning the spark of anti-British feeling until it has now reached its present proportions.

3. I will endeavour to let you have a more detailed report on the situation generally during the course or the day.

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