CO129-490 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 141

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5. "CALE" arrived at Nanking on the 18th August and

relieved "DURBAN" who proceeded to Shanghai, arriving there on the 21st August. It happened that the landing of the "DURBAN 'S"

party to relieve the "CARLISLE'S" took place immediately after an armed robber incident on the Bund. Scarcely had the echo of the

few shots died away, when the Tug "St. Brsock", full of armed men,

was observed by the crowd coming round the stern of the "DURBAN" and making towards the landing stags. Expressions of unbounded

admiration were heard on all sides for the promptitude with which

the Navy had landed a force to deal with the disorder and the

incident undoubtedly impressed the Chinose. "CARLISLE" sailed

for Hongkong p.n. ¿1st August.

6, Owing to the continued state of peace and good order prevailing in the Foreign Settlement, the Municipal Council, on the 28th August, declared the State of Emergency to be at an end. On receiving the official notification, I, as Senior Naval Officer, informed the American, Italian and Japanese Admirals of the fact and that they were at liberty to withdraw their landing parties. "CONCORD'S" landing party was embarked on the 28th August, and

"DU FRAN'S" on the 29th.

7. In view of the isolated position of Holt's Wharf, and the enormous value of British goods stored in the Godows, as well as the importance of ensuring the unloading of Ocean shipping, I am keeping a mall guard there for the present. One armed Patrol Boat is also being maintained but I anticipate withdrawing her in the next week, 1 consider two Cruisers should remain at Shanghai for the present. The Hill workers, to the number of about 70,000,

are not yet back at work, and demonstrations are being planned for 7th September. I anticipate shortly being able to report that one Cruiser only is required.

8.

I am much indebted to Lieutenant Colonel A.8.Cantrell,

B.I. for the able manner in which he has commanded the British

Naval Battalion. His tact and the co-operative spirit which be

has displayed have ensured the smooth working of the British

landing