CO129-432 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [3-5] — Page 619

Suk

CONFIDENTIAL.

1

Sir,

below

cke zucc

Conectes

REC?

26419

Esti

REG 5 JUN 16)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 28th. April, 1916.

615

5799

In continuation of my Despatch No. 127 of the 4th.instant, I have the honour to inform you that on the 6th.instant Lung Chi Kwong Military Governor of Kwangtung unexpectedly declared the independence of the province from the Central Government.

2.

In a communication dated 6th. April a copy of which is enclosed General Lung states that he had been unanimously elected Tutu (Governor-General) of the Province.

3.

The immediate result was at first a serious

recrudescence in lawlessness and the formation of large bands of robbers and pirates bent on plunder. Later the organisation called the "People's Army" which figured in the Revolution of 1911 re- -appeared. They are under the influence of enemies of Lung including Chan Kwing Ming formerly Tutu of the Province who is operating from

Walchow his native place.

4.

The conditions in this Colony were not however seriously affected till the occurrence of an incident on the 12th, instant at Dutch Folly in Canton where the water police station is

situated.

5.

Luk Wing Ting the Military Governor of Kwangsi which declared its independence in March had arrived at Shiuhing

on the West River in order to proceed to Canton to consult with his |

father-in-law Lung Chi Kwong as to the general situation. A

preliminary

!

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

ANDREW BONAR LAW, M.P.,

&0.

Ac.,

&c...