CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929 — Page 28

- 2 -

28

The

which he exploits for his own selfish ends.

"Confederation", realising Kwongsi's difficulties, do not

now insist on its changing the flag for the present, but

expect it to give other tangible evidence of its desire for

co-operation.

3. Fighting against each other without extraneous

aid, Kwongsi could easily capture Kwongtung; but with

Chiang Kai-shek's forces hemming it in on at least three

sides, Kwongsi would not be able to hold Kwongtung for any length of time. Kwongsi is a poor province, and without

the financial aid of Kwongtung it could never finance

itself for prolonged warfare against such a powerful foe as Chiang Kai-shek. It has, therefore, been suggested that

it would be best for the Kwongsi-ites to place at the

disposal of a Kwongtung general (who is now in retirement

but who at one time had held high dommand in the Province)

about 10,000 to 15,000 men near the Kwongtung-Kwongsi

border. It is believed that once this general begins

operations in Kwongtung, many military leaders in the

Province who were his former subordinates may rally round

him. With the exception of Admiral Chan Chak, the

military and naval leaders in Kwongtung are not keen on

fighting at all. They have no desire for military

exploits and political jobs outside the province.

4.

By the means just referred to Kwongtung would be

in the hands of friends, while Kwongsi need not attack Kwongtung at all in order to get control of its finances. The Kwongsi leaders are still considering the proposition.

Attempts are being made by certain members of the

Confederation to get Hunan and Kweichow to join them.

5.

Chow Shai-shing of Kweichow has been offered $500,000 (if

not $1,000,000) which will be paid as soon as he has

declared