CO129-502-7 China- general situation 4-3-1927 - 26-4-1927 — Page 41

2.

in regard to the proposal contained in Sir Miles Lampson's telegram No. 674 of April 11th in favour

of impounding the procends of the surtaxes at

Shanghai. We suggest that the Secretary of State

should at the same time invite the views of the

Consul-General as to the effect of such action on

Chiang Kai-shek's military position:

5. The destruction of the Dane Island and

Bogue Forts covering the sea approaches to Canton is

another possible form of sanction. We reserve our

final opinion on this until we have received replies

to telegrains which are being sent to the General

Officer Commanding and the Senior Nevel Officer and

a detailed report from our joint Planning Sub-

Committee:

6. In connection with 5 we recommend that the

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs should send

a telegram to the Acting Consul-General at Canton

warning him that the Senior Naval Officer may ask

whether there is any political objection to an air

reconnaissance of the Dane Island and Bogue forts

if the Senior Naval Officer himself considers this

course desirable. We venture to suggest that the

Secretary of State should consider the desirability

of himself giving the Acting Consul-General some

guidance on the political side of this proposel. We

also suggest that the Governor of Hongkong should be

informed.

Please

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