4
100
as he is able to preserve his own position, he would join any
side. General Li's disloyalty would not affect the future
military situation, as Li's troops are more like a police force than a regular army.
Kr. Li Chak-man tries to quote the case of the Russian
Legation Quarters at Peking having been allowed by the repre-
sentatives of the Powers at Peking to be searched by the
Chinese Authorities, as an instance of assisting one party.
His Excellency gives r. Li the same reply as he has given to
General Fung. His Excellency also expresses his regret that
Sir Cecil Clementi who has such great experience of Chinese
affairs is absent from Hong Kong at this moment, for he might
be able to offer valuable advice, but His Excellency is of the
opinion that Sir Cecil would not feel able to give any
different reply to the request made by General Fung.
His Excellency says that he regards it as a compliment
to the Hong Kong Government for General rung to come and ask
it for assistance; it is an indication of confidence in the
Hong Kong Government and of the friendly relations between
General Li Chai-sum and the Colony, and he hopes that when
General Li returns to Canton, this same friendly feeling will
be continued.
In conclusion His Excellency assures General Fung that
he is always ready to discuss and consider any matter which
may be of mutual interest to Canton and Hong Kong.
(Intd). S.S.C.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.