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signed, then I think that the canton Government partly because of its extreme financial exigencies, and partly because of its natural displeasure at seeing moneys collected in the Liang Kuang provinces sent to Peking, might in desperation endeavour to create a Customs organization of its own to replace the Chinese Maritime Customs. Such a contingency would anyhow be so probable that His Majesty's Government will, I venture to think, do well to ascertain whether as a fact the Powers would not again unite (as they did in 1923) to repel such seizure by show of force.
8.
The whole political situation in china appears to me to be full of hazard, and any attempt to make changes at the present time in the Chinese customs tariff or in our treaties with China might precipitate a local crisis and produce an emergency necessitating warlike action. I would, therefore, urge delay and as little change as possible under existing circumstances.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient mumble servant,
Governor, uc.
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