CO129-500-1 Canton situation- governor's despatches 18-5-1927 - 9-6-1927 — Page 112

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All

- 7

Enclo No. 3.

13.

However, on the previous day (18th May)

Mr. Brenan, having received from Sir Miles Lampson

a telegram dated 17th May agreeing to the former's

recommendations in his original telegram of the 16th

May, namely demands for immediate punishment of

offenders and apology, failing which retaliatory

action to be taken in accordance with Admiralty

telegram No.812 of the 11th May, despatched to

the Canton Ministry for Foreign Affairs the document

of which I attach a copy, repeating his three previous

demands, adding that the compensation required was

$200 and that, as regards punishment of the offenders,

that of the officer directly responsible for this murderous attack, which might have cost several lives, should include a term of imprisonment, and concluding that all these demands "must be complied with in full

on or before Monday, the 23rd May, failing which the

British authorities reserve to themselves the right to take such action as they may consider appropriate."

>

14. On the 19th May, in telegram No.37 to the Foreign Office, Mr. Brenan reported what he had done, adding:- "As regards sanctions I approve proposal of Senior Naval Officer, West. River, (i.e., Commander J.U.P. Fitzgerald) for destruction of matshed barracks

and gun positions. Hong Kong Governor's desire for

capture of Bogue forts and Dane Island, which contains

Military Academy, seems to me out of proportion to offence which caused no material damage, and beyond intention of Admiralty telegram, although such action

may become necessary later if Chinese show fight, which is unlikely.' Mr. Brenan also telegraphed on the 19th May, to His Majesty's Consuls at Swatow, Amoy,

Foochow,

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