CO129-483 - Others & Individuals - 1923 — Page 211

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of certain demands not being complied with. The case ia stated with great clearness in the telegram from Sir R. Stubbs which was forwarded to this department under cover of Colonial Office letter No.60440/23 of the 14th instant and in Sir R. Macleay's telegram No.276 of the same date a copy of which is enclosed

herewith.

It is not necessary for me to discuss the merite

of the arguments used on either side in the present

controversy. I realize of course that it is the

right, and indeed the duty, of Sir R. Stubbe to

represent to His Majesty's Government and to the

Legation at Peking the manner in which Hongkong

interests are likely to be affected by the policy

pursued. But I am sure you will agree that it is highly improper for the Governor of Hong kong, what-

ever his opinions, to receive the emissaries of the

leader of a Chinese faction, against whom naval forces

of the Powers have just been dispatched, and to offer

himself as intermediary between him and the Diplomatic

Body at Peking.

I cannot help feeling that but for the support

which Sun Yat-sen has been encouraged to expect from

the Government of Hongkong, his defiance of His

Majesty's Government and of the other Powers interested

in the maintenance of the Customs could hardly have gone

to the lengths that it has.

I would urge therefore for your earnest and early

consideration that the united action which is being taken

by the Powers to avert what threatens to become a serious

situation in South China would be materially assisted

by the speedy removal of Sir R. Stubba from Hongkong.

Jam

Cuya

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