CO537-3709 — Page 47

copies)

Governor, ilong Kong No.38A

sir,

British Consulate-General

Canton.

9th March, 1948.

I have the honour to refer to my despatch No.38A of 7th March concerning the Shameen Incident and to give below a translation of an article appearing in the Chien Feng Yat Po of 6th Earch concerning the trial of suspects:..

"(Special) The Shameen Incident suspects, Liang Cheong Ving, Pao ilan Cheung, Lok Kong and Cheng Fei Bung and 25 others were on the 21st of last month handed over to the Procurator Section of the Canton Local Court, and are being under close investigation. on the 21st of Sbruary, Dr. T.V. Soone received an instruction from President Chiang to the effect that the 29 suspects now under detention should be tried by a Special Criminal Court. The Procurator bection of the Canton Local Court has been informed of the President's instruction, and it is understood that the Jenior Procurator ordered that all investigations should be suspended, and that the suspects shall be handed over to the Special Criminal Court for trial, when the latter is formed.

His Majesty's Ambassador,

British Aubasay,

Nanking.

I have the honour

be

sir,

Your Excellency s most obedient,

humble servant,

Ronald Hall Consul-Ceneral.