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South China Morning Post - July 26th, 1938.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
Outlined Refugee Scheme To Canton Authorities
SAW BOMBED AREA
H.E. the Governor and Lady North- cote returned on Saturday. from a
brief
unofficial visit to Mr. A. P. Blunt, Consul-General and the Sha- meen community thoroughly delight- ed with their experiences.
In an interview kindly accorded the Press yesterday. His Excel- lency said, in reply to questions, that he did not consider that Shameen had anything to fear from the hos- tilities. No bombs had fallen on the island, though
metal fragments, possibly stray portions of shells, had been found. On the morning of his arrival in Canton and the day of his departure, there were Japanese air raids but they were so far distant from Shameen that the Governor's party neither heard nor saw any- thing of the attack.
His Excellency indicated that some little while ago he had written to the Pacification Commissioner of Kwang- tung, the Governor, and the Mayor of Canton informing them of his projected informal visit to the Bri- tish Consul General at Canton and had received from them hearty invi- tations to extend his calls while in the city. As a result he was able to meet General Yu Hon-mou, General Wu Te-chun and Mayor Tseng Yang-fu, 'all of whom also en- tertained him officially.
In the course of general conversa- tion they expressed gratitude at the assistance given by Hongkong, Sha- meen and Great Britain with regard to medical supplies, etc., and on be- half of those Chinese seeking shelter in this Colony. Sir Geoffry indicated the lines on which the Hongkong Government proposed to deal with the position. The proposal, it is understood, will be made public on Thursday.
During his tour, said Sir Geoffry, he was much impressed by the wel- coming attitude not only of officials but also of the street crowds who showed their appreciation in a de- finite manner. Nothing could exceed the hospitality shown to the party by Mr. Blunt and the Cantonese Authorities.
Saw Bombed Areas
In Canton itself he made several journeys by car and saw the bombed areas which were extensive. The houses of the poor had suffered par- ticularly in the vicinity of Wongsha Station; but the energy which the Canton people showed in clearing away the ruin showed that they did not waste time in self pity. Rather their attitude was one of courage and dignity. Though considerable damage was to be seen yet there were many bombed places shut off from view.
His Excellency said that consider- able stress was laid upon the com- plementary parts which Hongkong and Canton were destined to play in commercial and civil life during the conversations and he very fully con- curred with what had been said on this point.
In his view the co-operation which was necessary for the greatest bene- fit of Kwangtung and Hongkong was greatly promoted by such informal he hoped visits as his, and those Canton officials would make, to Hong- kong from time to time.
A copy of telegram sent by His Excellency after his return to Mr. Blunt read:
"My wife and I will look back on our visit to Canton with unfailing pleasure and gratitude. We send our warmest thanks to you for most thoughtful and unsparing hospitality
wishes and most cordial good
to Pacification Commissioner, Governor Kwangtung Province and Mayor of Canton with deeply grateful apprecia- tion of the warm hearted friendliness shewn by them and Canton City to- wards us. NORTHCOTE."
Mr. Blunt replied:
"Many thanks for your kind mes- sage, the relative part of which I am transmitting to Pacification Commis- sioner, Governor and Mayor who I feel confident share my appreciation
BLUNT." of your visit.
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