CO129-500-1 Canton situation- governor's despatches 18-5-1927 - 9-6-1927 — Page 80

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important member of the Russian-controlled adminis- tration which has succeeded in ruining that pros-

perous city. The circular is an explicit defiance

both of Marshal Tseung Kai-shek and General Li Chai-sum

This action has, therefore, isolated the Hong Kong

branch from Canton and has so removed one of the

great obstacles hitherto encountered whenever its proscription was considered; for the suppression at this moment of the Hong Kong branch may well be inter- preted as an act friendly to Canton, and can at the worst supply no ground for a protest. Moreover, the

incident which creates this position is a virtual

declaration of Communism, and the Hong Kong Branch

has thus thrown down a challenge to the Hong Kong

Government which it is impossible to ignore. Such

a circular would have necessitated immediate action

here in any case; and it can only be regarded as extremely fortunate that so excellent an opportunity for suppressing a highly bolshevised organization was spontaneously provided.

13. In the meantime, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs had consulted the District Watchmen Committee

and found the members of that very representative

Chinese body in favour by a large majority of the

proscription of the Union. I, therefore, laid the whole case before my Executive Council on the 26th May, inviting Dr. R.H. Kotewall, the junior Chinese Member of the Legislative Council (Sir Shouson Chow being absent in Japan on sick leave), the Captain Superintendent of Police, and the Director of Criminal Intelligence, to attend. I took the individual views of each person present; and, after withdrawal of the

non-members,

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