CO129-394 - Governor Sir May & Public Offices - 1912 [12] — Page 8

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principal Members of the Sze Yap Association, which is closely allied with

the present Government at Canton. The members of both bodies

agreed that the action of the Company and of the Government was

reasonable and they promised to do their best to bring the people who are boycotting the Tramway to their senses.

3.

I had hoped that the boycott would have been

broken before this, but owing probably to the fact that those interested in money-changers' business are encouraging it because

they fear a general prohibition of Chinese coins and notes and

consequent loss of business; and that the young China party, see-

-ing in the action of the Company a slur on China's prestige, is

perhaps also advising continuance, it seems as if it may last for

some little time.

4.

I am considering what steps it may be advis-

-able to take in order to hasten the termination of the boycott

and I shall address you shortly on the subject. In the meantime I

would emphasize the fact that, as the boycott is directed against

what is sanctioned by the law of the Colony and as the Government

has done for years in all its Departments and recently on its Railway, what the Companies are now doing, and did itself sugest the action of the three Companies, it is imperative that the

action of the Company should prevail. I would therefore ask your

approval of the Company being indemnified by the Government out

of public funds for loss which they may incur through the boycott

which has been imposed upon them, in order that may be enabled

to withstand the attack which is being made on it's finances. If

this is not done I fear the Company may under instructions from

London succumb to the pressure that is being put upon it.

I have the honour to be,

sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Ангада

Governor,&c..

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