CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900 — Page 688

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which, doubtless, you have seen full reports.

We

have plenty of mischief rakers among our turbulent

Chinese population ready, for their own ends, to cir-

culate false reports and stir up troubles;

and our

new territory is still full of unrest.

Great Britain rast provide arply for the protec-

tion of this colory. It is her only naval base in

the East.

Twenty-four hours rioting might do incal-

culable mi schi ef. The force now here with the pro-

posed reinforcement is barely sufficient for our ade-

quate protection.

The Police force is very weak for

the area it has to supervise, and there will be no

force here available for the protection of Canton and

of our interests on the West River. Great Britain

rust either be in a position to adequately protect

life and property in Canton and along the course of

the West River and to keep order, or, if she does not

do so, France will step in and take the place.

She

is only waiting for the opportunity.

she openly

claims Yunnan as her own.

She declares Kwangtung and

Kwang