CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8] — Page 21

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emitting for Colonel Malone's benefit the stereotyped phrases about capitalism and imperialia, with which everyone is now familiar. The academy however impressed

him as a well run institution, and the cadets were smartly

turned out and soldierly looking. He noted that a political · education entered largely into the school curriculum.

4. He visited the strike headquarters, but did not form

a high opinion of the members of the strike committee, and

he thought that they would not have much say in any negotiations

for a settlement of the boycott.

5. He was also entertained to lunch by Mr. Eugene Chen, who told him that he (Mr. Chen) was to be the next Foreign Minister, and that as soon as he had taken up his portfolio he would endeavour to resume the negotiations with Hongkong

for a settlement of the strike in return for a loan, Mr. Chen said that although all parties desired a settlement, it must be one that did not impair the prestige of the Canton government. However, he thought, "a satisfactory formula could doubtless be found". He spoke, so Colonel Halone said, rather in the manner of a leading article in a news- paper. Nevertheless, it is gratifying to hear that some-one besides Mr. C.C. Wu is to take an active interest in the matter, and I shall await developments with interest.

he

6. The labour unions in Canton seemed to Colonel Malone to be all affiliated to the Soviet organization, which, said, made it impossible for the British labour party to give them any assistance. When the latter received telegrams from Chinese associations ending with the slogan "long live the world revolution" the messages went straight into the waste paper basket, as it was not believed that, they could be genuinely Chinese. He was disappointed with the Chinese national movement regarding which he had heard,great things in England, and he did not think that the present was a

suitable