CO129-481 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1923 [8-12] — Page 559

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Paraphrase telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Dated 29th December, 1923. (Received Colonial Office 11.25 am. 29th December, 1923.)

I sumarise below my letter of 23rd December as requested

in your secret and personal telegram.

It is a mistake to suppose that I am in favour of person named or of South against North. As to my personal views see my letter of 21st July to Masterton Smith. My only interest lies in the prosperity of Hong Kong and the maintenance of British trade. Last year's strike showed how entirely dependent these are on Kwangtung and it is essential that we should be on good tems with the authority controlling Kwangtung. The future holds out enormous possibilities when the railway is connected with Hankow but a quarrel with Canton means that these will not materialise and there will be a grave risk of boycott. I have not as Chinese Minister alleges supported Sun Yatsen nor did I offer to mediate. I was asked by sun to transmit his views as he would not do so through the Consul General whom he professed to regard as taking a leading part against him. My consent offered a chance of preventing him from taking any rash action and I there- fore thought it wrong to refuse. I submit that this was a vital matter to us as the result of a breach would be the paralysis of the Colony's trade, stoppage of British imports, and probably troubles in Malaya. He has received no encouragement from Hong Kong. He was clearly given to understand that Chinese politics were a matter of no interest to me and that I would only serve as channel of communication. As regards the mention of a cordial reception I specifically declined to meet him if he came as President or official but received him as distinguished stranger like any other. The luncheon I gave him was a private

one.

In my opinion the courtesy shown him was of value to Hong Kong as ending the period of strikes and hostility.

STUBBS.