CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929 — Page 15

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suspension of the mercantile shipping between Samshui

and Wuchow along the West River valley for a short time

during the continuance of hostilities between Kwangtung

and Kwangsi. He explained that active operations

were imminent, and he was afraid that, if foreign ships

were to proceed between Samshui and Wuchow, they might

run into danger. His government was particular ly

anxious to avoid any anti-foreign incident. expressed my agreement with him as to the undesirability of allowing British river steamers to pass through the

zone of fighting, and on the 19th Kay, at the request of

the Canton Government, telegraphed to me and supported

by Ir. G.S. loss, who had assumed duty as Consul General

in Canton, I issued a warning to river steamers in

Hong Kong that they should not proceed above Samshui, as

protection could not be afforded to them.

He

4. On the 22nd May General Ch'an Ming-shu again

called upon me accompanied by r. Chu Chang-nien.

told me that he intended to leave that night for Canton

in C.R.S. "Hai-yung". News had just reached him that the Cantonese armies had repelled the Kwangsi invaders

and that the threat to Canton had been removed. In

point of fact the C.R.3. "Hai-yung" did leave Hong Kong last night: but where she went I do not know. The

C.R.S. "Yin-swei" is still here.

5. The Chinese characters for the names in this

despatch are given on a separate sheet.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

1 /humb]

Your most obedient,humble servant,

Governor, &c.,