CO129-490 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 767

(2).

relations between British and Chinese residents of

the settlement show no signs of improvement. Having

served the Council as a police officer for 25 years,

for half this period as Commissioner of Police, I

cannot remain indifferent to this prolongation of a

state of affairs which threatens to undo the work to

which I have devoted so many years.

I have therefore decided to resign from my post in the hope that by so doing I may be able to promote restoration of those harmonious relations between Chinese and foreigners which it has ever been proud duty of Shanghai municipal police force to safeguard,

Ends.

Council have always shared with McEuen desire that criticism of municipal police should form the subject of an independent enquiry. They learn, how- ever, with deepest regret that his decision is irrevocable and in accepting it as such they desire to place on record a tribute to that spirit of self- sacrificing service to community which has character- ized McEuen's long and honourable connection with

Council.

After a discussion with consular body and with the approval of interested diplomatic representatives of Peking, Council has decided to make public above."

It is only by exercise of utmost pressure that

we have been able to secure above result and we woula earnestly beg that if immediate replacing of McEuen is to be insisted on, formula above quoted may be accepted as it stands or et leest without material

alteration.

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