CO129-502-7 China- general situation 4-3-1927 - 26-4-1927 — Page 121

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DECYPHER TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the

Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Dated 5th April, 1927.

136

(Received Colonial Office 11.30 a.m. 5th April, 1927)

Addressed to Peking No.27 of 5th repeated to Secretary

of State for the Colonies Swatow Amoy and Shanghai for

Commander in Chief and General Duncan begins. Result of

recent examination of the situation at Swatow and Amay

by General Staff Officer suggests that evacuation of

these two places may be delayed and possibly avoided

altogether if garrisoned by a small force say one

company provided that one sloop be stationed at each

port to assist in defence,

General Officer Commanding informs me that the

permanent Hong Kong garrison is not sufficient to provide

these detachments. Admiral Boyle subject to concurrence

of the Commander in Chief would undertake to keep sloop

or other vessel at each port if garrisoned. In the

interests of British prestige and of trade I consider

that garrisoning is preferable to evacuation at these

two ports.

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W_D.

A/141

C.I.D.

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