CO129-502-8 China- general situation 27-4-1927 - 15-9-1927 — Page 110

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would be effective in bringing the Canton Govern-

ment rapidly to terms. In support of this opinion

we cite three recent instances.

(a) On the 6th February, 1926, the Canton Strike

Committee seized in the river opposite Canton five

boats which were on their way to the Chinese Mari-

time Customs House at Canton with inward cargo

for examination. The Commissioner of Chinese

Maritime Customs at Canton, Colonel F. Hayley-

Bell, obtained by personal intervention the release

of this cargo and warned the Canton Government

that, unless the Canton Strike Committee refrained

from illegal interference with cargo, he would be

obliged to stop the loading and discharge of all

steamers at Canton. Nevertheless on the 12th

February, 1926, strike-picket again seized inward

cargo on its way to the Custom House at Canton.

The Commissioner thereupon again warned the Canton Government on the 20th February, that, unless the

Canton Strike Committee refrained from further

interference with cargo between ship and shore and returned the cargo amounting to some 2,000

packages - previously withdrawn from Customs'

examination and control, he would suspend the loading and discharge of all vessels in the port of Canton on the 22nd February. The demand was not complied with and accordingly as from the 22nd February the loading and discharge of all vessels

in

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