CO129-504-13 Chinese situation- request from General Li Chai-sum for assistance in obtaining arms and ammunition 27-4-1927 - 6-10-1927 — Page 18

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The presentposition in the Far East viz. Sir C.Clementi

as Governor of Hong Kong urging on the S. of S. a

more vigorous policy than approves itself to the Foreign

Secretary and his advisers is far from unique.

I remember a similar situation in 1895 when the Governor

of Br.Guiana was urging warlike measures against Venezuela which were overruled by the Foreign Office in the

interests of peace with the U.S.A.

So also in 1898 the

C.0. on the representations of the W. African Governors had to champion our rights in W.Africa against the

I need F. O desire for peace at any price with France. hardly refer to the similar situation in South Africa which led up to the Boer War.

It seems to me that any one in the position of Governor of Hong Kong is bound to voice the opinions and interests of that great community, which owing to the geographical position are inextricably mixed up with the affairs of China. The S. of S. for the Colonies is bound to consider his views, and so far as he concurs with them, to press them upon the F. 0. The F. 0. then considers the matter in the light of the information and advice of its agents, and of the special interests which it has to guard. Ultimate differences are composed by the united wisdom of

-

the Cabinet I cannot see that any alteration of the system is possible unless the Governor of Hong

Kong is put under the F. O

Sir C.Clementi appears to have made a blunder about Li Chai Sum; but so also did Mr.Brenan and speaking generally his judgment about Chinese affairs has

mot been more fallible than

other

peoples.

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cutail number;

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mcconciting

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