CO129-431 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [1-2] — Page 380

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REC I, the Tutuh of the Yunnan Province of the Chinese

Republic, in the matter of a despatch:-

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Now the Chinese Republic has been established for 4 years and has been duly recognised by all nations in the world. But availing himself of the European War, Tum Shih Kai, the President, has betrayed the Republic and made himself Emperor in violation of the Constitution and his solem declaration. I could not bear to see the Republic which was born out of much travail, being brought to destruction by Yuen, and I telegraphed to him, admonishing him to abanden his ambitions and urging him to punish the guilty prometers of the monarchical scheme so as to gratify the people. Tuen, however, rejected my advice, and supported the promotion of the subversive scheme, which he has now adopted despite the advice of the Ambassador of your nation and the denunciation of all true Republicans. Now he is forsaken by all the friendly nations and all the people of the Republic cry shame on him. I have telegraphed to all the provinces to unite together to preserve the Republic, and seeing that your nation has re- -cognised our Kepublic, I trust Great Britain and Your Excellency the Governer will have sympathy with me in my attempt to preserve the Republic. Representations have been made by me to H. B. M. Consul-General in Yunnan, giving him a detailed list of all treaties by which we will continue to abide and of all matters that are to be executed, and I have asked him to communicate them to you. The Chinese Republic and Great Britain have always been on friendly terms, and I have ever appreciated the interest Your Excellency has taken in upholding rightecumess and in pro- moting the power of the people. I now find it necessary to send

this despatch to you officially, hoping that Your Excellency lend me a helping hand and maintain neutrality for the strength -ing of the friendship between your nation and mine. Trusting

despatch will meet with your consideration.

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