CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8] — Page 572

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into operation at short notice, and it is directed

against the strike pickets and no one else. I trustäl that His Majesty's Government will approve.

2.

With reference to the last paragraph of my

secret despatch of the 22nd August, I have been in-

formed by Mr. C.C. Eight that his instructions from

London now are that the Chinese Havigation Company

cannot be party to any provocative action in Canton,

which it is considered would not effect a resumption

of normal trade with that post, but probably would reflect in undesirable consequences elsewhere in China. I am at a loss to understand how Hesars. Butterfield & Swire can consider the proposed action, namely the despatch of a British steamer from Hong Kong to Canton, to be "provocative", while the intended steps against strike pickets are retaliatory and consequent on incessant provocation by the Canton Strike Committee. Moreover, in the present circumstances as described in the 17th paragraph of Mr. Brenan's despatch of the 16th August, No. 69 to the Foreign Office, the danger of an anti-British repercussion in the north of China ia now at a minimum.

3.

Mr. D.G.M. Bernard is still endeavouring to give effect to the proposal that one of Messrs Jardine, Matheson & Company's steamers should be sent with cargo from Hong Kong to Canton, but some difficulties have to be overcome in making the necessary arrangements.

..

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,/humble servant,

A

Governor, &C.