CO129-500-1 Canton situation- governor's despatches 18-5-1927 - 9-6-1927 — Page 139

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Chinese section without sufficient engines for an

express service. A slow through train is being run

daily in each direction: but owing to threats from the evicted staff an armed guard is carried on the engine

as well as on the train. The manager of the British

section is arranging to fit temporary tenders to our

own short-haul locomotives, so as to enable them to

carry sufficient water for the through journey and,

unless the position takes a turn for the worse, I

propose to allow these locomotives to work on the

Chinese section.

5. I learn from Mr. R.F.C. Hedgeland, Commissioner

of Chinese Maritime Customs at Canton, that communist

elements in Canton are still very active in attempting

to influence the working classes to rise against the

Government and that a new secret society styled "Red

Sword Corps (赤劍團 ) has been formed to distribute

seditious circulars or handbills, especially at night

time.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

も

leme.

Governor, &c.