CO129-499-3 Canton situation- governor's despatches 12-2-1927 - 10-3-1927 — Page 13

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charged with a breach of that Regulation and each fined $500. An apology (copy enclosed) was also published, contradicting

the report.

4.

With the concurrence of my Executive Council I called upon the paper to show cause why it should not be suppressed under the Emergency Regulations. In reply the directors produced evidence that they had dismissed the whole

of the editorial staff and I therefore decided not to carry

the suppression into effect. The paper is accordingly being permitted to continue publication but is being watched

carefully by the censors.

5.

I am of opinion that the paper, or at least

the editorial staff were in the pay of the Nationalist Government which supposition appears to be confirmed by the fact that the Secretary of the Political Department of the Eastern Region General Command Office of the Nationalist Revolutionary Army has taken it upon himself to telegraph to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs on behalf of the paper.

6. A translation of this telegram is enclosed.

It is a clear admission of the fact that the Nationalist Government is manufacturing these despicable lies which by inflaming the ignorant mob against the foreigner secure the appearance of irresistible nationalist fervour for the confiscatory plans of the Kuomintang. The facts of the case cannot possibly be unknown to an enlightened revolutionary

official.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,

Governor, &c.