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10.
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re 3.
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steps which will put an end to the present state of affairs in China. While Canton and the neighbouring provinces are controlled by a Government which declines to recognise the
authority of Peking and which is not recognised by the
Powers it is impossible to deal with such a situation as
that which we have just had to face. Had the authofities
in Canton been representatives of a Government recognised by
His Majesty's Government it would have been possible to
bring pressure to bear on them through the ordinary diploma-
tic channels to induce them to suppress the lawless elementa
which were occupied in fomenting trouble in this Colony,
forcibly interfering with our food supplies and retaining
in Canton men who were anxious to return to work in Hongkong
But it is impossible to bring such pressure to bear upon a
body whose existence is not recognised.
The only possible argument in such circum-
stances is force and I venture to predict that if the present state of affairs is allowed to continue the conse- quences will be within no distant period of time that it will be necessary for the Powers to occupy Canton unless they are prepared to see South China follow the path trodden by Russia.
This point was present to the minds of
the deputation of the Unofficial Members of both Councils and the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce at whose request I sent the telegram of the 11th March, a copy of
which is enclosed for convenience of reference.
I concur generally in the views expressed
by the deputation and I will take steps with a view to introducing the improvements advocated in the Police Force.
It has, I understand, been suggested that
in
the British garrison should be reduced. I trust that, view of our recent experiences, nothing more will be heard
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.