CO129-489 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Sir Clementi - 1925 [8-12] — Page 208

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4.I enclose a report published in the local

press regarding the arrest in Canton of two news-

paper reporters. I attach also a copy of the Canton

Yosure 4-3-Authorities' reply to the protest which was lodged

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by Sir James Jamieson.

5.The British river steamer, to which I referred

in para.7 of my last despatch, has been running

regularly between Hongkong and Canton, but the

strikers' pickets have successfuly prevented any

embarkation or disembarkation of Chinese passengera For cargo. I enclose a copy of the Canton Gazette

in which are published regulations discriminating against British trade which have recently been promulgated by the Canton Strike Committee.

6.The Colony's financial situation is most

serious. A prominent Chinese bank has recently gone into liquidation and various firms and individuals have been compelled to ask for receiving orders in bankruptcy. It is feared that many others may be forced to follow suit, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce has put forward a preliminary proposal for a Government loan in a very considerable sum. The proposition has not yet been examined.

7.There is undoubtedly a growing antagonism among the Cantonese to the Bolshevist rule in Canton, an antagoniam which the Chinese merchants in Hongkong have been doing their utmost to foster. It is stated that the telegram. referred to in para.5 of my despatch of the 4th September has had a most useful effect in stopping subscriptions from Chinese

overseas