CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926 — Page 476

in China

على

thinking,

& I am much obliged

to you for sending me

the telegrams from

Shanghai & Hong Kong.

Joers

minaref G.r

TEL. REGENT 6050.

Ref: Chn/50/4.

THE CHINA COMMITTEE.

10.22432

468

.22432 James's Street,

London SW1.

6 DEC 1926

Sir Gilbert Grindle, K.C.M.G.,0.3..

Colonial Office,

Dear Sir Gilbert,

Downing Street,

S.W.1.

3rd December, 1926.

I send you herewith, for your information,

a copy of a telegram which we have received from the China Aascoiation, Hongkong, in reference to the Canton Surtaxes and the question of piracy, together with a copy of the telegram of November 20th, from Shanghai, referred to in the Hongkong telegram in reference to the former subject.

As regards the apparent contradiction contained in the Hongkong telegram in regard to independent action by Hie Majesty's Government, I need hardly point out that the etatement in the middle of the telegram opposing any forceful action by Great Britain alone, has reference to the Canton Surtaxee which must obviously be dealt with in relation to the situation in China as a whole, while the advice contained in the last sentence of the telegram to act independently, has reference to an entirely different matter, namely, the question of dealing with piracy which

ie contrary to all international precepte.

I may say that I have already communicated copies of these telegrams to the Foreign Office with a request for information as to what course Hie Majesty's Govermen t propose to adopt in regard to theee Scrtaxes.

Youre sincerely,

4

CHAIRMAN.