CO129-491 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 366

Mr Oldham

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would become notorious throughout the whole of China, and would fan the flame of misunderstanding and hatred that is at present creating such serious consequences, and rendering a peaceful settlement increasingly difficult.

In the second place the Chinese people are acutely conscious of what they regard as the stigma of inferiority placed upon them by western powers, and are hypersensitive of all questions affecting the ir treatment by other nations. The mere fact that à method of punishment was to be employed against Chinese pickets and intimidators which would not be used against those who engaged in similar practices in this country on the occasiong of industrial disputes, will exacerbate the present position to a possibly dangerous degree. The fact that Chinese intimidators themselves resort to methods of cruelty which would never be allowed over here, will be quite insufficient to justify to Chinese minds the usage of methods of punishment which will inevitably suggest to them ideas of degradation.

In the third place I cannot but be apprehensive of the effect which this suggested action would create in the United States. My position as head of an inter- national university in China brings me into close and contimal contact with Americans, and I have always been struck by the large part which sentiment plays in their attitude towards disciplinary measures. It seems to me that at the present time it would be little short of a tragedy for Anglo-American unity, in relation to Chinese policy, to be jeopardized, but I cannot help fearing from my knowledge of the average American attitude towards China, that their loyalty towards na would be severely strained if any cases of flogging actually occurred.

The serious events of the last few weeks, and particularly of the last few days, make it evident that the whole atmosphere in Chine is electrical and dangerous, and that the retaining of the confidence and goodwill of the Chinese people, to say nothing of the protection of the lives and property of our own nationals, is in peril. I would, therefore, venture to suggest that a representation be made to the Colonial/