CO129-502-8 China- general situation 27-4-1927 - 15-9-1927 — Page 114

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of compelling Authorities to protect the Customs

control over shipping from interference by Labour

Unions, and asked Consular body for support.

Consular body telegraphed Peking saying that

they were of opinion that strong and united

support of Commissioner's proposed action would

be in the interests of general public and asked

permission to reply to that effect.

The Consular body also made formal protest and, the local authorities and strikers being

convinced that if the goods were not returned

the port would be closed, the 72 cases were returned on the 30th August intact, and the

incident was closed.

(0) "We draw attention..

end of April".

These observations do not affect the question

of blockade of the West River and as regards

the Yangtsze none of His Majesty's ships are at

present immobilized.

Our conclusion, therefore, is that a naval

blockade of Canton would be rapidly effective in ending any renewed anti-British manifestations by the Cantonese authorities and we recommend that economic pressure of this kind should at once be exerted at Canton in the event of any renewal of anti-British manifestations in the

region controlled by the Cantonese authorities.

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