De cypher.
APPENDIX II
Acting British Consul-General (Canton).
13th January, 1927.
D.
5.45 p.m. 13th January, 1927,
11.30 a.m. 13th January, 1927.
No. 5. (Vic Hongkong.)
208
Immediate.
My telegram No. 3.
Local press is working up agitation over Hankow affair.
General Labour Union hold a meeting to discuse taking Shameon
concessions. Meeting was apparently stopped by the police but
agitation continues.
French and British concession defences are
being renewed. The French Consul and I have warned Ministry of
Foreign Affairs that an attempt by the mob to seize the island
will be repelled by force. If, however, this entails firing,
which of course will only be resorted to in an extremity,
Cantonese troops might take part.
General battle would
commence and it might then be impossible to evacuate immediately,
especially as the French are determined to hold their concession
to the last and we could not leave them in the lurch.
The nationalist government cannot want serious trouble at
Canton which is the base of their campaign and source of most
of their money and supplies. I earnestly recommend, therefore,
that I be authorised to seek an interview with the General in
commend of the forces here and tell him verbally that if we are
attacked by troops we shall shell or bomb vital points and
finally blockade Canton. In such a case the French would
be with us and possibly the Americans and Japanese, who will,
I think, help to defend the island. I would make a communica-
tion in as friendly and tactful a nanner as possible, but if
nationalist government see we are prepared to take strong
action here where it can be taken, it will help negotiations
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