CO129-390 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1912 [5-6] — Page 411

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and communicated to His Britannic Kajesty's Consul-Ceneral at

Canton with the request that he would urge upon the Kuangtung Authorities the imperative necessity of sending into San On District such military or police force as would be capable of effectively suppressing the lawlessness rampant along the British frontier. On 27th. May Mr. Jamieson replied that the Naval Board had despatched a torpedo boat to cruise in Deep Bay and that the Board of War was despatching troops with all speed to San On.

On 1st. and 3rd. 9th. and 19th. June the

4.

further reports enclosed were received from Mr. Orme and forwarded to His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at Canton for communica- -tion to the Chinese Authorities. The withdrawal of troops referred to in the report of 9th, June is explained by a Wireless message received by the Commodore from the Senior Naval Officer at Canton in which he stated that the situation there had developed sudden- -ly, that the Waichow, Shuntak District, was affected, that the Wai chow men were reported to be marching on Canton and that the trouble appeared to be caused by Wong Wo-shun and his following and also by financial difficulties.On 20th. June a Wireless mess- -age was received by the Commodore from the Consul-General stating that the situation at Canton was again critical.

5.

On the same date I received a further report

.copy of which I enclose from the District Officer at Taipo. I then discussed the situation with the General Officer Commanding the Troops and on 25th. June addressed to him the enclosed letter. The troops referred to were despatched to the New Territories on

the following day.

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Claustevem

Officer Administering the Government.

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