CO129-499-3 Canton situation- governor's despatches 12-2-1927 - 10-3-1927 — Page 43

- 2 -

43

3.

4.

Commandant, who informed the District Officer that the trains had been palcarded without his knowledge or authority The District Officer, North, has already reported fully to the Colonial Secretary's Office on this and various other

matters.

A rumour in the early part of the week to the effect

that the New Territories was soon to be handed back to the

Nationalists caused some uneasiness in the kinds of certain

of the local inhabitants. I have seen and spoken with some

of the village elders and assured them that the rumour is

groundless.

民

At Shataukok the "Lung Man" have been strengthened so

that they now number about 80. They have at least 40 rifles

besides a number of revolvers.

34

Up to and including the 9th inst., an immense number of anti-British posters, similar to those already sent you, were

removed by police from the houses in British Shataukok. On

the date mentioned I visited Shataukok and removed a number

of posters which had been newly put up. Copies of these

posters which (1) and (2) attached. While I was engaged in

pulling them down the Head of the "Lung Man", Wong Chun Wa,

appeared on the scene. I spoke very strongly to him asking

why he permitted this constant putting up of posters and his reply was "that it was not his work but that of the Labour

Union". Perhaps my remonstrating has had some effect, or

else they are short of posters, as no fresh ones have appear-

ed since the date in question.

However, the intensity of recent anti-British propaganda

in a small place like Shataukok has had its effect on our

local prestige, so much so that some special action is advis-

able if our authority is to be recognized there and maintain-

ed. This, I understand, is about to be undertaken.

A small incident, but one reflecting the general spirit

of