CO129-499-2 Canton situation- governor's despatches 15-1-1927 - 4-2-1927 — Page 82

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The interview, which was given by General Cheung Kai-shek, and to which Marshal Chang Tso-lin refers,is recorded in enclosure No. 2 of my secret despatch of the 27th November, 1926, and you will no doubt appreciate the moderation of Marshal Chang's views as compared with those of his nationalist rival. At the moment of writing I, in

common with the whole British community here, am anxiously awaiting the result of the crisis at Hankow where Marshal Cheung Kai-shek appears to be putting his policy actually into force, and I am compelled once more to urge that Great Britain must, in conjunction with the other Great

Powers if possible, and if not by herself, prepare to offer forcible resistance to furtheraggression against her subjects by the Nationalist authorities. Without

such preparation, offers of recognition and negotiation

of fresh treaties are entirely futile. With it, there

is at least a possibility that more moderate counsels

may prevail and that war may be averted.

633

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

tem

Governor, &c.