CO129-500-4 Canton situation- governor's despatches 15-9-1927 - 24-11-1927 — Page 124

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succeeded in so doing in July last. Now that he is returning

to Canton he will work for a better understanding with Hong

Kong.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY says that nothing would please Hong Kong

more than to see a restoration of the old friendship between

Canton and Hong Kong, which was a splendid reality and conduct-

ed to the prosperity of the two places. Ir. Jong probably

knows the views and sentiments of Sir Cecil Clementi in regard

to the necessity for a good understanding between Canton and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government will always be ready and pleased to co-operate with and to assist the Canton Government

in matters of common interest.

1R. WONG answers that co-operation between the two places is, in

his opinion, necessary, and he will do what he can to bring it

about.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY enquires if the Hong Kong Government

cannot collaborate with the Canton Government in the suppressio

of piracy round about Bias Bay.

LR. ONG replies that he would like to see the two Governments

collaborating to this end.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY says that the Canton Government and the

Hong Kong Government more than once discussed this proposition;

but so far all that the Canton Government had asked was that

certain men in Hong Kong should be handed over to them. The Hong Kong Government have always been willing to help in this matter; in fact, an Extradition Ordinance for giving legal effect to this has recently been passed, but this is not enough. To get to the root of the evil the pirates at Bias

Bay must be stamped out.

LR. WONG agrees with this view, and says that he will make this

question an urgent one on his return to Canton. He hopes that the British Forces may assist by operating along the coast-line while the Chinese troops are posted at the rear to cut off the

escape of the pirates by land.

THE