CO129-492 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1925 [12] - 1926 [1-5] — Page 152

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I must say it was! this meeting would foto a political meetings

heard that the Chinese in Canton havasion of the received guns from Vladivostock. Can Edefinitely Mr. Hellstrom say what sort of guns they

not un were We supplied **White ** Rumians and we cannot let it be so. We are noth with guns with the British flag on them, going to pass any replutions As Hir but when Vladivostock was taken by the Henry Pollock know well as I do, Reds, they walked in with these guns. vory strong recommel istions have been

Mr. Hellstrom: I cannot tell you

sent to the British Government again and what these guns are. A vessel arrived again and at the present time it would About a month ago with guns and am-

be inopportune and unwise, while these munition-about 7,000 to 8,000 rifles, I recommendations are being considered, was told, 1,000 rounds of ammunition for to do anything which might embarrass esch, right machine guns, and

the situation. But if no satisfactory batteries, but I cannot guarantee these reply is forthcoming in a short space of figures

time, you doubtless will be given 80 Col. Robertson: Cannot we do some-

opportunity of expressing your views on the subject. thing to stop this? Cannot we make. Hon. Mr. Alabaster: some kind of protest!

two

The Chairman: I appreciate the point, but this meeting was called simply to bear an address by Mr. Hellstrom on the position in Canton, and I don't think we can depart from the purpose for which the meeting was called.

The

Ubl. Robertson: I think this would have been a good opportunity. people here have heard so much about Bolshevism they are rather tired of it.

Another Question: Where did the Chinese students get their Bolshevik ideas from?

Mr. Hellstrom: When the revolu sion broke out there were in Rus sia about 100,000 Chinese in Labour Corps, etc., and many were taken into the Bolshevik Army, and proved loyal to their masters. Later many were trained to hegome Agitators. I myself in Canton have met many Chinese who could speak Russian. When A Chinese can speak Russian, and under stands the Bolshevik doctrine thoroughly it is natural to suppose he has been in Russia some time.

I have much pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and to Mr. Hellstrom who has given us so much to think about. Question: Will Mr. Holyoak tel na how long we have to wait for an answer to our telegrams! We cannot wait in definitely. We won't do it. (Laughter.) Hon. Mr. Holyoak: I cannot tell you how long we shall have to wait for a reply, but I can tell you that it no reply is forthcoming--say, within a week, you will get an opportunity of expressing your views

The Chairman:

I must mention that it is Mr. Holyoak to whom we are chiefly indented for the meeting this evening. He managed to arrange with Mr. Hell- strom to give this address, and I atu sure am voicing the thanks of all, in thank- ing him for all he has done.

The thanks of the meeting were accord- ed to Mr. Hellstrom and Mr. Holyoak and the gathering then dispersed.

Mr. Hellstrom's paper, which was throughout a direct challenge to the opinion held in many quarters that the Chinese could never be brought to adopt Bolshevism, was read by the Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak. Mr. Hellstrom, although speaking English fluently, speaks with a foreign accent and it was thought his statements and arguments would be followed more easily by the large audience if this procedure was adopted. The paper, obviously written by one who thoroughly knew his subject, held the attention of the gathering from beginning to end.

We hear daily,” it began, abou Bolshevism

Canton and nauy

A CALL FOR ACTION. Sir Henry Pollock: I quite appreciate the fact which the Chairman has so clear- ly pointed out that this meeting was not called for the purpose of passing any resolutions with regard to action to be taken by the British Government, but I think that everybody in Hongkong will be with me when I say the time for drift has passed by. (Applause.) I am sure we should all be grateful if the Committee of the Chamber of Commercpy

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that the Chinese will nuvber become Bolsheviks as the Chinese are not naturally Communistic in their will not be long lived in China, if it ever ideas and, for that reason Bolshevi gets a footing. What I have to tell

would call a meeting at an early date a view to definite and specific action being taken with regard to au tion to the British Government. On one side we have a triumvirate of Chinese gentlemen in Canton presided over by the contradicts this. Bolshevism in its → Russian General Borodin. On the other fem in Russia at present is not Com ide we have all the British and Chinese munism. It is a sort of state socialism mercantile, shipping and banking inter- with all the means of the production ests of this Colony. We have a very large controlled by the Government. boly of Chinese merchants in Canton who would he only too glad to be re- leased from the present state of affairs from which they suffer. Wo have this lity in Canton tearing up the Treaties under which Canton was made Au open port for trade. As a resident of long standing in this Colony, who feels the great blow British prestige bas austained in this Colony, and not only here but throughout China and through- But the whole of Asia, I, and am sure all those present are with me,, appeal to you gentlemen, us the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce to call a public meeting at an early date, so that

may lay our views defisitely and||

clearly before the British Government.

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