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from Canton should not be involved in the strike pay
bargaining. He agreed that the view of Hongkong, as expressed by me, was a most reasonable one, and he stated that prospects of a satisfactory settlement were more remote than he had at first thought, as both sides had such a strong case. He still maintained, however, that Hongkong would be well-advised to give way, and that no settlement was possible unless she
did.
In the course of our conversation I said
that it was reported that there was to be an anti- Christian demonstration at Christmas, and I suggested that the Canton Authorities should do what they could to discountenance it, both on general grounds and also in view of the negotiations which were in prospect. Mr. Sung said that his Government was in no sense hostile to Christianity pr to any other religion.
They believed in entire
religious beliefs. They
freedom with regard to would take the necessary
action to keep the demonstration within strict bounds.
On arrival off Shameen Mr. Sung's motor-
boat came alongside and he offered to land me in Shameen. As we were leaving the ship Mr. Fitz-Maurice, the Vice Consul came on board, and the motor boat put back and took him off. At the Shame en steps Mr. Sung directed a coolie in the boat to carry my bag, but the coolie was stopped by a small Indian policeman, who would not let him pass in spite of the Vice Consul's protests. The incident unoubtedly created an unfortunate impression, and I record it as significant of the atmosphere which apparently surrounds the Consulate. Lir. Sung had previously volunteered the information statement
that
the Government found the Consul-General most difficult.
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