CO129-499-4 Canton situation- governor's despatches 18-3-1927 - 22-4-1927 — Page 42

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the people there are anxious that the colonies should

be placed under our administration again.

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These colonies were placed under the administration

of the Allies by the order of the League of Nations, and

therefore we have to apply to the League in observance

of the proper procedure. We have joined the League of Nations, and we cannot disregard any invitation for our assistance in hastening the development of civilization and industry in those colonies. This proves that the colonies referred to mean those under the mandate of the

League of Nations, and the colonial movement in our country has these in view. We never had any colony in your country. Tsing Tau was only a leased territory as you already mentioned. We have entered into a Treaty with your country for mutual treatment on a basis of equality, and we find it difficult to conceive how the intelligent classes in your country should still suspect our colonial movement as being intended to recover Tsing Tau. Your country is a member of the League of Nations and ours is also a member, and in view of this relation we should treat with each other on equal terms. It would be a pity should any trouble arise affecting the friendship between China and Germany because of misunder-

I find standing on the part of a small number of men.

it necessary to give you this explanation, and I shall be glad if you will publish this letter so as to correct the impression already given.

(Signed) Crull.

German Consul-General,

Dated 4th. April, 1927.

Canton.