CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8] — Page 152

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there is a Central Government at Peking controlling the whole

of China: and I would urge that the question of the arms

embargo merits early reconsideration in this connection. The objects of the arms embargo were, I take it, twofold, namely

(a) to prevent arms from getting into the hands of Chinese brigands and pirates: and

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(b) to prevent the supply of arms to the various war Lords who were endeavouring to subvert the Central Government.

But, as regards the first object, the arms embargo has failed in its purpose, for pirates and brigands are as well supplied with arms and ammunition as ever before; and,

as regards the second object, there is now no Central Government left in China. The arms embargo, therefore, now only serves to make it less easy for anti-Bolshevists than for Bolshevists in China to obtain the arms and ammunition which they need; and plainly a policy, which serves no better purpose than this, ought without delay to be modified.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most humble,/obedient servant,

cemento

Governor, &C.