CO129-502-8 China- general situation 27-4-1927 - 15-9-1927 — Page 209

SE OR E-T

PARAPHRASE,

From: G.O.C. Shanghai Defence Force, Shanghai.

Co:

The War Office.

Desp. 1325 28/4/27 Recd. 0930 28/4/27

6

219

D.5180 cipher 23/4.

Since despatch of my telegram D.5178, British Chamber

of Commerce, Shanghai, have sent deputation to Naval C.-in-C.

Deputation pointed out to him that capital value of British

commercial properties in other municipal districts in Hankow,

noticeably ex-Russian and ex-German concessions, represented

50,000,000 dollars as compared with 4,000,000 dollars in British

concession. They said possibility of these outside properties

being looted or destroyed was viewed by them with apprehension

and, should it be intention to afford any naval protection in

emergency, they pressed strongly for the inclusion of these

factories etc. Further review of estimate of troops given in

D.5178 is necessitated by this addition to possible commitment,

and I now consider four battalions, of which one would be 12th

Royal Marine Battalion, would be required in first instance to

adequately protect this more extended area in view of Hankow being

under mob rule at present. In addition, as I consider an adequate

display of force would probably overawe Chinese and avoid any

drastic action being required, I would also send one section of

armoured cars and one battery. Later, should order be restored

quickly, it might be possible for size of detachment to be reduced

before river falls in autumn. Offensive action Hanhow would, in

my opinion, automatically serve to protect Shanghai, and under the

circumstances two brigades should prove sufficient here provided

in emergency I could have a call on some reinforcements from Hong

Kong.

C.4.(Telegrams) Copies to:- ARMY COUNCIL, D.M.O. & I., D.D.M.O. & I.: 1.0.1.la.la., M.I.1.2.2c., D.S.D., D.M.T., Prime Minister, S. of S. for Foreign Affairs, Sir William Tyrrell, Sir Maurice Hankey, F.O.(Mr.Ashton Gwain), S. of S. for Colonies, C.0.(Mr.Clauson), C.0.(Sir J.E.Shuckburgh) Lord Beatty, First Lord of Admiralty, Aa.(D..I.), Ad.(D.O.D.), Ad.(D.of P.

Ad.(D.of P.), S.of S. for Air, .A.S, (Air Ministry), D.C.A.S.(Air Ministry), D.D.0.1.(Air Ministry), Air Ministry (R.Tels.)

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