CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929 — Page 68

Enclosure No. 1.

Translation of a manifesto published on

March 30th, 1929.

[

another war is brought on, it will mean untold suffering. This 18 one reason why Kwangtung should keep itself aloof at this time.

The second reason is that Kwangtung is the starting point and

ment. Who is right and who is wrong is a dispute will be clear in the course of time. Unless it is for the very life of the country and the Kuomintang, it is absolutely useless to make petty and good-for- nothing sacrifices.

"To the Central Headquarters of the Kuomintang at Nanking, the National Government, and ail military and civil organisations and newspapers throughout China: "The Central Government had to

source of the Revolution. resort to military force in dealing with the Wuhan Political Council Every official and military leader because of the latter's refusal to here has long been inextricably con- take orders from the Central Gov-nected with the National Move- ernment and their attempt to de- stroy the peace and unity of the country. Such a matter is purely local and every patriotic citizen of the country and loyal member of the Kuomintang should exert his ut- most to prevent the trouble from spreading. As Kwangtung is a province under the direct control of the Central Government, every mili- tary man as well as every civilian is in duty bound to preserve peace and order within the Province. This is of primary importance, and will contribute largely to the peace and unity of the whole nation. who sign this declaration, have no wish to see the thirty million population of Kwangtung again plunged into war. We are deter- mined to preserve peace and order throughout the Province.

"Marshal Li Tsai Hsin has lung been an exponent of peace and reconstruction, but is now detained in Nanking. All his subordinates should first consider the position in which he is placed. They should keep quiet and continue to submit themselves to the orders of the

Government. We, Central

This will

give Marshal Li a chance to show that he was in no way connected with the Wuhan plot. This being the case, his release will be speedy. But if we deviate from this course and resort to armed force, it will "The people have suffered too do no good to the imprisoned man much from military operations. but actually endanger his life. They have not even yet recuperated Being followers of the noble peace from the ravages and depredations example of Marshal Li, we are de- preserve peace and of the Communists and are in no termined to position to shoulder more military order in Kwangtung at all cost. expense. They are bent upon pro-Be it remembered that the armed duction, and re-construction. forces of Kwangtung belongs to the people of Kwangtung and cannot be used to enhance the political prestige of any clique or "faction. The money of Kwangtung belongs to the people of Kwangtung and cannot be used to further the poli- tical ambition of any one clique or faction. Those who are trying to involve Kwangtung in the war are the real enemies of the people of Kwangtung.

If

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