CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927 — Page 189

APPENDIX I.

207

LARAPHRASE.

Desp.1400 13.1.27. Recd.0930 13.1.27.

From: G.0.0., Hong-Kong.

To: The War Office.

IMMEDIATE.

1279.

Navy and myself have been considering question of

non-evacuation of Shameen. We are of definite opinion it

should not be evacuated and Governor concurs in this

opinion. Navy assure me it would be possible to keep

communication open at any time of year via following

alternative routes Moneypenny Creek and Hamilton and Lupu

Creek. Should it eventually become imperative to evacuate

this could be carried out via same routes. Navy are of

opinion possibility of these three routes being blocked

water highly improbable. Considered by both Navy and

myself unnecessary to attempt to force main river channel

via Bocca and Dane Island forts. If situation becomes

serious I am prepared to send one British company and four

machine guns to Shameen. Navy propose in such event to

block entrance to river with HERMES and one cruiser,

former used for bombing if considered desirable. Marines

for boat guards on lines of communication would also be

provided by Navy.