CO129-501-5 Chinese situation- Recognition of Canton Government 22-7-1927 - 28-9-1927 — Page 46

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the Nationalist fold, and that even if Chiang Kai-

shek succeeded in unifying the rest of China for a

moment, several provinces in a very few months would

again break away from him and another series of in-

dependent and warring factions would reestablish

itself. The British Government must face the fact

that before treaty revision can become effective

there must be recognition of the de facto regional

governments of China.

For Hong Kong the importance of an amicable

settlement with Canton cannot be over-estimated; but

before such a settlement can be reached there must be

a recognized government at Canton with which the

British Government and Hong Kong can deal. We there-

fore urge, as a matter of primary importance before

treaty revision can be undertaken, a re-orientation

of British policy in China based on the cardinal

fact of the disintegration of China.

The object of treaty revision must be to

secure some permanence and peace in our relations

with the various independent portions of the once vast Chinese Empire. Permanent and peaceful re- lations will not be secured merely by a generous unilateral surrender of treaty rights. Coupled with generosity there must be a just firmness which will inspire respect.

When considering treaty revision, there are

certain general aspects of the Chinese situation

which must be borne in mind whatever the part of

China

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