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fire could not conceivably be directed, with the guns
available, on definite objectives. I am advised that
even if (as is very doubtful) the shells could reach
Canton, they could only be aimed to fall indiscriminately
somewhere within an area of several square miles.
2.
However hopes may eventuate, the occasion is
convenient to review the history of the blockade controversy
on which reports have been sent by frequent telegrams and
in my despatches Nos. 125 of September 10th, 133 of October
4th and 137 of October 13th. It will not be understood
however unless the background is appreciated.
3. This province only joined the Central Government
Cantonese influences (with all that implies)
last autumn.
are predominant.
The high military authorities are all
powerful and are the old Kwangtung generals who have had
little or no foreign contacts, are suspicious of foreigners,
and with justification - of "apies". The high civil
authorities, such as the Provincial Chairman, General Wu
Te-chen, and the Mayor, Mr. Tseng Yang-fu, do not dare to
exercise much voice in matters affecting the defence of
Canton and South China, The less important civil officials,
such as the Special Delegate for Foreign Affairs and
Military subordinates do not dare to stand up at all to the
military superiors. During the earlier part of the blockade
period this area was being subjected to constant bombing
from the air, as a result of which any potentially effective
naval craft (which never attempted any action) were sunk
and the entire air force was destroyed or withdrawn • I
venture therefore to repeat what I reported in my telegram
No. 96 of October 7th, that fear and ignorance were the
reasons for closure of the river, and not unfriendliness,
and
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