CO129-438 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 330

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the proposed change to & monarchy at this juncture is not popular.

It is admitted that Yuan is a very uble man, and that us for as he

himself is concerned, the change of name would be no great matter;

but Yun's men come in for much criticism. It is aid that none

of the best men have consented to accept office under him; that

his officials are a poor lot. He may have originated the monarchy

1doa that is a small matter; it is Leung thẳ Yeo and all the

officials who are so busy working it out, as they are the poople

who stand to gain most. The political aspects of the change seem

hardly to be considered and perhaps would not hạve been

considered at all but for the feeling against Japan end her

interference.

It is hot to be concluded that the present Government

at Canton gives general satisfaction. Lang's dealings with opiwa

and gambling his control of his soldiers; the general condition

of the Frovince; none of these consider tions tend to raise him.

in pallie estimation. But things are gradually settling down,

end people are inclined to put up with it all influ need no doubt

by the strength of Lang's army in Canton and to make the best of

things for the time and to hope for gradual improvement.

(8gd.) H...w. Iles. #deutenant-Colonel,

General „taff, China Command.

Hong long.

2nd December, 1915.

To:-

The Director of -ilitary Operations, 1.0.1. war Office. The Chief of the General Staff, MELBOURER and INDIA. The 0.0.0 £ingapore.

men.Foxing and 0.0. Trops, Tientsin.

ייד

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