CO129-500-2 Canton situation- governor's despatches 30-6-1927 - 8-11-1927 — Page 75

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were already holding posts there. At Canton,

however, rumour accuses General Ch'an of allying

himself with Marshal Chang Tso-lin with a view to capturing Canton for the North, after, it is also stated, taking a considerable sum from Hankow for

the same purpose.

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3. To return to my conjectural picture. The

new Northern Expedition appears to have halted in its offensive and become none too securely defensive.

This may be due to actual military pressure by the

Hankow forces in Hunan and Kiangsi, or merely to a re-shuffling of the packs held by Hankow and Nanking respectively. Latest advices point to the latter explanation, as it is reported that Marshal Tseung has come to an amicable arrangement with General Chu Pei-teh, who was occupying Kiangsi

(on the flank of Hunan) for Hankow. To sum up-

and here I must again ask you to remember that I am only guessing at the plot from the presentation on the stage without knowing what is behind the scenes- Generals Li Chai-sum and Li Fuk-lam hold

Canton and would like to be their own masters. General Ngai Pong-p'eng may be scheming to the same end with other commanders who were previously opposed to the Sun Yat-sen party. General Ch'an Kwing-ming aims at the same goal, but is turning to the North for assistance. Any two or more of these may be working together against the others. The subordinates of Marshal Tseung Kai-shek wish to hold Canton for their master and are a protection, indispensable for the moment, against Hankow.

Hankow