CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927 — Page 100

30045/27.

Paraphrase Telegram from the Secretary of State

for the Colonies to the Governor of Hong Kong.

Sent 2.0 p.m., 10th February, 1927.

34 114

Mr.Beckett 9.2.

Mr. Ellis

9.2.

+Sir G. Grindle

9.

+Sir-S-Wilson. (Intd.)S.H.W.

9.2.27.

+Mr. Amery. (Intd.)L.S.A. 10.2.

conson.

Personal.

Situation at Hong Kong.

Your telegram

of 2nd February. I share your anxiety and the

extreme difficulty of your position is fully realised

and sympathised with. The general lines of British policy in China have been publicly declared and are known to you and all that it is possible for me to add

at present is that I will not overlook the importance

which you attach to firmness.

The question of warlike

operations does not of course arise at present. The steps you have been taking locally are welcome to me and you will have my support in doing whatever is necessary for the maintenance of order within the

Colony. If you think I could usefully send you any message for publication do not hesitate to suggest its terms. The present moment, however, is not particu-

larly opportune for this so far as I am able to judge.

AMERY.

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