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No. C 3165 1926.
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FOR CIRCULATION :--
Asst. U.S. of S.
Canton Boycolt.
visit. to
result of f
Canton of
chiriere
reviens the
situation
Permt. U.S. of S.
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
Previous Paper
representatives
merchants
generally.
Subsequent Paper
(20122) Wt. 14587/35 48м 11/25 Harrow E.2332
See on 3167
NUMBER AND DATE SHOULD
BE QUOTED IN REFERENCE
TO THIS LETTER
Enclosure 1.1.
COLONIAL
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONGKONG,
6th January,1926
In continuation of my secret
despatch of the 30th December, I have the honour
to inform you that the eight elected representatives
of the Hongkong Chinese merchants returned from Canton on the 2nd January, having completely
failed in their mission. I attach a letter
and memorandum written by one of these
representatives, Mr. Lo Man-kam, head of the
firm of Messrs. Lo & Lo, Solicitors, describing this abortive visit, from which you see that,
owing chiefly to the obstructive tactics of Ur.
C.C.Wu, the eight Hongkong merchants were not able even to begin negotiations with the Canton
Strike Committee.
It is very interesting to com- pare Mr. Lo's memorandum with Mr. Fletcher's
report, a copy of which was enclosed in my secret despatch of the 24th December. Mr. Fletcher carried away from his interviews with the Canton Council of Government the impression that the only matter for settlement was the
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LIEUTENANT COLONEL L.C.M.S. AMERY, M.P.,
amount of compensation to be paid by the
Chinese merchants of Hongkong and Canton to the
Strike Committee in order to end the boycott,
and that the Canton Government would use its
influence to prevent the Strike Committee from
bringing up any other matter for discussion.
But Mr. Lo's memorandum shows that
, so far
from this being the case, the Canton Government
through Dr. C.C.Wu used its influence to obstruct
any negotiation on these lines and defined
the issue not in terms of a bargain for
"compensation" between Chinese merchants and
Chinese labourers, but as a political and patriotic contest with Great Britain in general and the Hongkong Government in particular.
If that is the position, then
evidently no arrangement by compromise will be possible. I had thought that a majority of
members in the Canton Council of Government
sincerely desired a settlement, that the Canton Officials were, however, for political reasons unable to deal drastically with the strike pickets and that they, therefore, desired to use Hongkong money to buy off and so disband' the boycott organization, after which normal friendly relations between Hongkong and Canton could be resumed. The visit of Mr. Sung Tsz-man to me on the 19th December strengthened me in this opinion, as I could not otherwise explain his mission to Hongkong. I knew from Dr. To Ying- kwan that my letter of the 15th December to Mr. Wong Tsing-wai (vide enclosure No. 7 in my secret despatch of 23rd December) had caused much
searching
Enclorure Me 2.
searching of heart among the members of the Canton Council of Government, who discussed the matter for three hours and then drafted an evasive answer which Mr. Wong Tsing-wai actually sent to me by the hand of Dr. To. I attach a translation of this letter. It was only at the eleventh hour, after the first letter had been delivered to Dr. To, that the Canton Council of Government, or a portion of it, reconsidered its earlier decision and sent me by the hand of Mr. Sung Tsz-man the letter which forms the 8th enclosure in my secret despatch of the 23rd December. Later events seem to show that Dr. C.C. #u was probably opposed to Mr. Sung's visit to Hongkong he had himself previously refused an invitation to pay me a visit ( vide enclosure No.4 in my secret despatch of 23rd December); but he was probably at that time overruled by Mr. Wong Tsing-wai, Mr. Sung Tsz-man and others. During Mr. Fletcher's visit to Canton, Dr. C.C.Wu appears to have acted a part and to have concealed his real hostility to Hongkong; but he has now plainly shown his enmity and this time his
colleagues seem to have let him have his way. The reasons for this change can at present only be a matter of conjecture: but I may draw attention to two new facts which perhaps have a bearing on the situation. The first is the impending transfer of
Mr. Fletcher to Ceylon, the news of which became
public very shortly after his return from Canton.
When Mr. Fletcher has left Hongkong, it will be more
easy for the Canton Officials to repudiate the
conversations which passed between him and them.
The second fact is the return of General Cheung Kai-
shek to Canton on the 1st January. Cheung Kai-shek
has recently made a profession of political faith
which was published as the preface to Register of Milit -ary Cadets of the Third Term at Wong-po. I attach
a translation. Sir Shou-son Chow and Mr. Kotewall
inform me that there can be no doubt, particularly from the Chinese original of this document, that General Cheung Kai-shek approves of communism. considering it as one with the Three Democratic
Principles enunciated by the late ur. Sun Yat-sen. I may here add that Mr. L. Giles, HM.Consul at Foochow
called on General Chow Yin-jen, the Tupan of Fukien
Province, on the 10th December and was then informed
by General Chou that he had come to terms with General
Cheung Kai-shek who had entirely evacuated the districts in South Fukien which he had previously occupied. General Chou did not anticipate any fresh invasion of Fukien in the immediate future by
troops of the Canton Government.
I have recently noticed with
anxiety that, as progress seemed to be made towards a settlement between Hongkong and Canton, so the
Canton press became increasingly abusive and
Enclosure #c.hostile to Hongkong. I attach copy of a letter
dated 6th January, which I have written to H.M.
Consul-General at Canton on this point. Doubtless
the Strike Committee, which is the only body of men that derives substantial benefit from the boycott, is angry at the idea of a settlement and I fear that the Canton Government has no real wish to axert a moderating influence on those Canton newspapers which reflect the views of the Strike Committee.
My attention has also been drawn to
a letter written by Mr. Wong Tsing-wai to the Strike
Committee
Endorse 40.5 Enclosure Ho. 5
Committee and published in the Canton newspapers on the 20th December. The translation is as follows:-
We have received a letter from So Shiu
"Ching, Member of the Strike Commission, which
"reads as follows:-
It has been reported to us that the steamers 'Honam' and 'Fatshan' take with them some passengers and cargoes on their route to Hongkong every day. Enquiries show that this is owing to the assistance and abetting of some volunteer corps and some feigned soldiers, and is prejudicial to the strike. We beg that the Admiralty
may be instructed to send some gun-boats to help us.
On receipt of this letter we have had "discussion made and resolved to act as requested.
"As in duty bound, we send this reply for your "information.
This is sent to the Canton and Hongkong "Strike Commission."
This letter was written just before the visit paid to me by Mr. Sung Taz-man and if authentic (as to which point I am making enquiry), it is clear proof that Mr. Wong Tsing-wai was then actively assisting the Strike Committee. I enclose
copy of a letter
which I addressed to Sir James Jamieson on this matter.
I discussed on the 4th January very fully
with Sir Shou-son Chow, Mr. Kotewall and the members of the Executive Council the position with which we are now confronted: and we feel bound to
conclude
conclude that a majority of the present Canton
Council of Government is opposed to a settlement of the boycott except upon terms which would humiliate
Great Britain and which would, therefore, be even
more prejudicial to the future of British interests
in China than a continuation of the existing
boycott. The obvious remedy would be to upset
the present Canton Government, which has many
enemies in other provinces of China. But there is
no Chinese force at hand which could do this; and
British action, such as a blockade of Canton by
naval and military force, might only aggravate the
situation by by rallying nationalist feeling in
other parts of China to the support of the present Canton Government and would certainly embitter future relations between Hongkong and Canton as well as between British and Chinese generally. There is,
moreover, good reason to believe that General Feng
Yu-siang, who appears at the moment to be in
authority at Peking, is on friendly terms with General Cheung Kai-shek: and the shadowy Cabinet just constituted in Peking is perhaps also favourably disposed towards the men who compose the Canton Council of Government. The moment would, therefore, be very inopportune for action in Kuang-tung by British force alone and I am by no
means sure that a blockade of the West River Delta would even temporarily end the boycott: for the Canton Government, although it would cer- tainly be hard hit by a blockade, might (if national and popular sentiment were behind it) hold out for months, much as Hongkong has done against the boycott.
I have, therefore, come to the conclusion,
in which the Executive Council unanimously agrees, that the only possible course at present is for Hongkong to hold out perseveringly until either the present Canton Government is overthrown by some hostile Chinese General, a contingency which for the time being is unlikely, or until the lapse of time and the increasing inconvenience to the Canton Authorities of tolerating an "imperium in imperio", such as the Strike Committee, results in the dissolution of the boycott organisation. Such a war of attrition will be very serious in its effects upon Hongkong; but Canton will also suffer, and this Colony has the assistance of the Trade Loan which I shall endeavour so to use that
it may mitigate the financial difficulties due to the approach of Chinese New Year (13th February). Canton merchants will have no such financial backing and I hope that the contrast between the position of the Hongkong Chinese and the Cantonese February next may prove to be a salutary object- lesson and shake the belief prevalent among the Canton officials that they have a stranglehold on this Colony. If this is to be achieved, I must be
in a position to give liberal help to British and Chinese merchants in Hongkong and I trust that H.M's Government will insure that such help is forthcoming.
In conclusion I may say that the failure of the negotiations attempted as the result of Mr. Fletcher's visit to Canton is not, in my opinion, entirely to be regretted. I have grave doubt whether a permanent settlement of this Colony's present
troubles could be secured by payment of blackmail
to Canton and I personally attach great weight to the
objections
objections to the proposed bargain set out in the third paragraph of my secret despatch dated the 24th December. As I wrote, at the close of my secret despatch dated the 23rd December, all official opinion in Hongkong is emphatically against making any such payment. But we felt that the burden of a war of attrition would fall mainly upon the Hongkong merchants, both Chinese and European, and that if these merchants preferred to make a speculative payment in the hope of ending the boycott rather than suffer their present loss of trade, the Hongkong Government would not be justified in obstructing such a settlement. This was also the unanimous opinion of the Executive Council as well as of the Hongkong Chinese merchants. I must, however, confess that
I am somewhat relieved that owing to the action
taken by the Canton Government and the Strike
Committee, a settlement by payment of blackmail has
been prevented.
This despatch confirms and amplifies
my telegram of the 4th January.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Governor,&c.
Enclosure Mo. 1.
ENCLOSURE No. 2.
Translation.
Dear Mr. Clementi,
I have received your letter through Dr. To Ying Kwan who came here, and I appreciate the great interest you have taken in the present state of affairs. During the past several days I have
introduced Dr. To to the Committee of the National
Government and to Representatives of the Canton and Hongkong Strike Committee, so that he may understand the real position here. As to your request of us to send some unofficial representatives to come to Hongkong to discuss with you, I shall consider the
matter with the Committee of the Government and
let you know later.
With regards.
Wong Shiu Ming.
Dated 18th of December of the 14th year of the
Chinese Republic (1925).
Enclosuse No. 3.
Translation.
Extract from the Wa Taz Yat Po. Hongkong. 22nd Dec.1925.
(Preface to the Register of Military Cadets of the 3rd Term)
(By Cheung Chung Ching alias Cheung Kai Shek)
Internal quarrel brings greater calamity than foreign
invasion, and revolutionary success depends entirely on
the union and mutual love of our members. My object in
the establishment of this College under the direction of
President Sun is to teach the reasons of revolution and to
carry it out. In order to achieve success in our revolutionary enterprises, our members must first of all
have a firm and sincere union, treating the College as
their own home and their colleagues as brothers. During
the past year, the College was started with 500 students,
and later 3,000 men were recruited, and our army was
formed. In the Spring of this year, we took Chiu Chow and
Ka Ying Chow, and on our return to Canton in Summer, we
expelled Yeung Hi Man and Lau Chan Wan. On our second
expedition to the East River in the 10th moon, we succeeded
in the capture of Wai Chow despite its many strategic
advantages, and then drove our enemies out of Chiu Chow
and Ka Ying Chow. All of us fought with all bravery, and
about 600 of our men died. Indeed, they have died
gloriously, but we cannot help weeping for our loss of
them. We have shed our blood, but we have not yet done
anything to relieve the pains of the people and to make
our race powerful. The militarists are as cruel as before,
while the Powers are growing in violence. We have not
yet revenged ourselves on X for the terrible massacre
they committed, and have not yet got the shameful unequal treaties cancelled; neither the aspiration of our President has as yet been realized, nor his teaching put into
practice
practice. How can we have face to see the soul of our President in Heaven? and how can we appease the spirit of
our heroes who have died? We have now only one thing with
which we can please our President and our heroes, and that
is the vitality which the President has left to those of
the College which have still survived. This vitality is
the very Kwok Man Tong handed down directly by our
President, consisting of Communists and non-Communists.
I repent having failed to ask our heroes who have died,
this question before their death - "Are you going to die
for Communism or for the 3 Democratic Principles and not
for Communism?" Now let me answer this question for myself
before I die, and I should say "I shall gather all
members, whether Communists or non-Communists, of the Kwok
Man Tong under the flag of Blue Sky and White Sun, and die
for the revolutionary principles of our President". I would
also dare answer the question on behalf of our late heroes
who were Communists as this "We are willing to die under
the flag of Blue Sky and White Sun of the Kwok Man Tong for
the cause of national revolution, and when we die for the
3 Democratic Principles, we are also dying for Communism.
We hope that those who survive, will allow no dissension
to arise among them, but maintain union and complete their
responsibility of national revolution, thus carrying out
the 3 Democratic Principles of our President directly and
Communism indirectly. The 3 Democratic Principles and
Communism have to rely on each other, if success is desired;
and there is no inconsistency between them. We do not like
any quarrel to arise among you, as it will break down the
vitality we have left." Now, what should we who survive
then do? We should exert ourselves with all sincerity to develop the 3 Democratic Principles so as to accomplish
our national revolution. However, no national revolution
can be accomplished in present days, if communism is
neglected. It cannot be denied that the revolution in
China is partly a world revolution, and the realisation of
the 3 Democratic Principles also means the success of
Communism.
Our late heroes knew that the Nation Revolution
in China and International Revolution could not be viewed
as two things. Thus we have no reason to allow any dispute
to arise between the 3 Democratic Principles and Communism.
If unity is maintained in this College, the 3 Democratic
Principles will be established and upheld for hundreds of
generations, and no imperial power in the whole world can
suppress it. I have heard the Powers and the Militarists
say, "Discussion has arisen among the Communists and Non-
Communists of the Kwok Man Tong, and sooner or later, the
Party will break down". What do these words mean? Should
not the members of our Party take warning by them? we
should never forget any moment the teaching of sincerity
in this College. Without sincerity, we can never realise the 3 Democratic Principles, and without sincerity we can
never succeed in Communism. None who has no sincerity for
the 3 Democratic Principles, will have sincerity in
Communism. Nor will any sincere Communists fail to have
sincerity for the 3 Democratic Principles. Lack of sincerity will breed dispute, and we can only accomplish
revolution when we are sincere to one another. Not only
the Communists of our Party should have sincerity in the
3 Democratic Principles, but also the followers of the 5
Democratic Principles should be sincere towards the
Communists. I myself am the believer of the 3 Democratic
Principles, but I dare say that I am also one of the most
sincere Communists. Therefore I hope you all will treat
one another with sincerity. Now the students of the 3rd
term are about to graduate, and at their request, I write this preface for their register in the hope that they will
never forget unity and sincerity that have been taught in this College.
Sgd. Cheung Chung Ching.
Written in Chiu On on the 15th December, 1925.
Enclosure No. 4.
Government House,
Hongkong,
6th January, 1926.
Sut Covelovane
I have the honour to forward for your
information certain extracts fras Minese newspapers which
illustrate the incressin ly abusive tone of the Venton
Fress with esch stops nearer to a settlement of the present
troublem wit the caton Governant.
The Ron xon Government as for some time
insistai täit rincour and recrimination should be sept out
of the dress: : it in surprising to find in the kwong
Chau làn twok Yat Zo (o peper credite, with being the
official organ of the twok den Tone in denton) en article
of nature so violent ne that to which reference is made,
at a moment when the Canton Government #professing its
anxiety for settlement throuđi cho medium of that very
deletion whose members dhe newspaper seeks to comi ƏMLA
to death for their efforte.
I have therefore to request you to be goo
anouch to enter with the unton Government a protest
sg inst the licence penaitted to their ress: licence
which has the effect of costing / doubt on their sincerity
and on the genuine nature of their professions for un
œrly settlement.
I have the honour to bu,
Your most obedient servant,
His Britɛnnic isjesty's Consul-Ceners1,
(d.) C., CLEMENTI
Governor,
CLEMENTI...
CANTO N.
Translation.
(Extract from the Kwong Chow Kwok man at ro, Canton,)
(31st. December, 1925.)
Warning to the rebels - tre 8 rebele who came from long
Kong yesterday.
by (Chun) Fu muk.
The only rebels of the Chinese Republic are the
cold-blooded foreign slaves and the compradore, who have
acted in the same way as jackals do for a tiger. The se
rebels are all the time obstacles in the way of revolution.
They are bad eggs who have caused the loss of the prestige
of our country. They have helped the Imperialists to
oppress our fellow-countrymen anu led them to attack our
father-land. They do not know that they are Chinese,
but as the Imperialists do not like to treat them as their
subjects, they can only become uncivilized barbarians or
tame dogs which will even lick ulcers and piles to please
their masters.
The terrible masaore at Shanghai was Aramediately
followed by the dreadful slaughter in ha-ki, and many
of our beloved brother, bled and laid dead in the streets.
Anybody who has the least humanity, shoul. have been very
angry and seeked to revenge. The poor and helpless work-
men have even, despite the danger of hunger and cold, set
up a strike and returned to their count y with a resolution
to fright a dual with the Imperialists. un the contrary
the so-called aristocrats in Hongkong and the so-called
leading Chinese merchants treated the death of our beloved
fellow-countrymen as merely losing their enemies. They
laughed at them at a distance, and made continuous slanders
against our patriotic workmen; and they have even asked
the English to send troops to oppress our Government. This
shows that they have confessed to be rebels, and indeed
they are more than deserving punishment for their crime.
They long eagerly day and night for a settlement merely
because the continuation of the strike has c...sed much
The workmen have been in need
injury to their business,
of food, but they have, aided them with any contributions.
The Imperialists have constantly schemed to opress us,
but we have never heard that they ever joined with the
workmen to offer any resistance. On the contrary, they
are proposing peace negotiation every day. Let me ask
them if they are worth of speaking about peace negotiation.
If you confess that you are obedient subjects and tame
dogs of the English, you should be the objects of our
attack. If you still recognise that you are Chinese,
what face have you in coming to negotiate eace on behalf
of the murderers who have killed our brothers? You are
thinking that you are very proud of being a third party
that has come for a peace negotiation, but in reality
you are uncivilized illegitimates.
Yesterday there came the reb ls from Honkong who
had helped the English in their muraer of our fellow-
countrymen.
Announcement has already been made by the
people of our oo ntry that these 8 rebcls should be killed.
They now actually call themselves responsible representatives
for the Chinese merchants, and have come to Canton. Formerly
they always said that no living man should come neur Canton,
and that our goverment were constituted of Colmuniute and
pirates. They now realize that Hongkong will very soon
have to surrender to us, and therefore they have come under
the title of responsible representatives for Chinese
merchants.
Now let us ask the 8 rebels that since they
call themselves responsible representatives for Chinese
merchants, what the real nature of their responsibility is.
Will you be responsible for having asked Hongkong to send
soldiers to attack Canton? Will you be responsible for
having helped Chan wwing Hing with arms to attack Kwong
fung? Will you be responsible for having ocused injury
to the strike and acted sa tume doge for foreigneraY
you are responsible for all these, then there are laws
of our country and we o«n only ask the Governmunt to
execute them accordingly and have their heads noisten up
to warn the people. It my are not responsible for
these offences, but have on y come for peace negotiation,
then you are Chinese um srould help our brothers to
resist their enemies, so that the strikers can easily
Come out victorious. You are not worth of speaking the
words "peace negotiation".
If you claim to be obedient
subjects of the English and tame dogs of the Imperialists,
then you are accsaauries to the crimen com.itted
should run away like rate, even if the Government pardone
you, and have no face to have come to see us.
Cenclowns 10.5 Enclova
6th January, 1926
Quoted in despatch.
I have the honour to invite your
ttontion to the extract from the newspaper
"The orkin's "ath" ( I λ ż
on the 20th
December last : which, with a translation fortan
the enclosure to this despatch.
roof of the authenticity of the
article can be found only in Canton, and in the
circumstances attending the sailings of the s.8.
fionam" ni "Fatsian" immediately following its
publication: and if you can autisfy yourself in
this respect, I have to request you to be good enough to take an early opportunity of bringing it to the notice of the pr per authority in the city.
The article completely identifies
the present Canton Government with the Strikers'
Comittee, for those actions it has been so long
continuously at pains to deny responsibility: and whatever may have been the interpretation which it was previously desired should be put
upon their failure to restrain the
Hia Britannic Majesty's Consul General,
„trikers'
activities
activities in Canton, now plainly reveals that Government as principals, acting in concert with the strikers' Committee, in a serious breach of Treaty Conditions.
1 have therefore the honour to request that you will be good enough, if you are satisfied as to the authenticity of the letter, to enter the strongest protest with the Canton Government against this action which
becomes an unfriendly act in violation of Treaty Rights and Conditions.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient servant,
Governor ko.
Enclosure No.!
S.S"Lung Shan,'
The Honourable Mr. Chow Shou-Son
Gentlemen,
and Mr. R.H.Kotewall.
2nd January, 1926.
As one of the delegates appointed by the Chine: o
Merchants of Hongkong to negotiate with the Strike
Union, I have the honour to enclose the annexed
statement, containing an epitome of our work, by way
of report to yourselves, and, through you to the
Honourable the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
I much regret that our Mission, as such, has
totally failed, but personally I venture to think
that our labours have not been entirely in vain, be- cause the knowledge and insight of the present sit-
uation in Canton which we gained from direct contact
with the interested parties should be of some use
to those who come after us, and the friendly
atmosphere we have created should be of service
hereafter.
As far as I can make out, the economic position
of Canton is sound. All the people whom I met were
emphatic and sincere in their admiration of the
present Administration. The Government seemed to
have achieved some measure of success in its endeavou.
to be a Government of the People and for the People.
I understand that for the first time for some years
the Government did not "borrow" one cont in connection
with the New Year. Thore is no doubt that the people
have complete confidence in the Government and are
gonorally contented.
I do not agree with Mr. C.C./u that the Canton
morchants arc indifferent as to the settlement, nor
nor that on the whole they have not financially sufforod But I do bollove that there is a fooling among some
sections of the commercial community that since the
might settlement has not en as yet como about, it N as well
not como about until after the Chinoso Now Year.
As to the attitude of the Caton Officials, I beli
that they are very desirous of an carly settlement, bui especially regarding Mr. C.C./u only on Canton'a torms. Of the officials wo have met, Mr. Wu scoms the least inclined to be sympathetic with Hongkong. I bolicy Mr. T.V.Sung and Mr. Lok King Fo arc honestly desirous
of helping if they could.
Aftor listening to the strikers, I am satisfied that they, too, arc genuinely willing to settle. But thore is no doubt, to my mind, that thoy, like tho Canton Officials, have no love for Hongkong, and I think the reason for their willingness must be looked for in other directions. The conditions obtaining in places
other than Canton may furnish such reasons. No doubt the intimate connection betwcon Hongkong Chinose and
the Chinese in Kwong Tung has to be remembered. Aport from such reasons, I cannot profoss to understand their
readiness to settle, since I understand Cañon can go on
indefinitely in its prosent position.
If I had known all the circumstances of tho
recent "ncgotiations",
now do, I would have
strongly urged against any dologation such as ours comin up, unless and until information has boon roccived from
or through the Striko Union that they would negotiato
with such dologation, because it was bound to fail, de ou
ours had failed, and because an unfortunate and unfavourable atmosphoro might have bocn croated for futuro negotiations. Happily, wo avoided this. Indood, I fool justified in saying that the whole atmosphoro has been impro vod by our coming up, because cvory stop wo took was taken with that cnd in viow.
You will roadily understand that this report has buon made out in a great hurry; I must therefore ask you to oxcuse all errors and mistakes which arc nccossarily
unavoidablo.
I hwo the honour to be,
Gentlemon,
Your obo.icnt survant,
(sd) M.K.LO.
Wo camo up from Hongkong by the s.s. "Lungshan" on After the 30th Docomber, 1925, and arrived at 2.05 p.m. waiting for some considerable time representatives of th four Chambors of Commerce and of Mr. Fu Ping Shoung and Mr. C.C. Ju mot us and took us ahorc in three motor bolts.
After soin, to our rooms at the Hotol Asin, tc..ll on Mr. Fu Fing Shoung whom vo mot and at the time wo mot Mr. Lok King Fo. From there wo went to call at the General Chamber of Commerce where we met their ropresentativos. After proliminary grootings, the Chairm intimated that as merchants of Canton and Hongkong in the same boat rogarding the proscnt crisis we could talk frooly and privately so that they might know our
us the fact that wo viows; and after ascertaining from represented only the Chinese Community, and not the Europoon Community, nor the Hongkong Government, they thought the settlement would be difficult in view of th nature of the demands on which the strikers insisted, which not only relate to the Chinese but also the Europ. and the Hongkong Government. They said they realisod that important questions such as those concerning shame. And Shanghai hid bcon reserved to be donlt with by Pokin But other domends related to Non Chinoso. They inst need the dominds concerning reinstatement and strike - pay and stated that to their knowledge those voro domands on which the strikers absolutely insisted. I expressed the view that the question of roinst toment was impossible gwo as reasons some of the grounds which had been discussed among our dologation and the two M.mburs of Council before we went up and stated that our object w to discuss the matter with the strikers and sco how for tn. mattor could be settled by other mons.
After some further gencral discussion wo called
on the Committoo of the strikers. The Chairman was out
and we were received by the Vice-Chairman. After prolim-
intry grootings, to expressed the hope that they would
in oorly dito for us to moot so that the matter
could be settled as soon as possiblo. The Vico-Chairman
enquired of our authority and our views and Mr. Li
Yau Chuon replied generally. The Vico-Chairman thon
said that a lottor would be sent to us the next morning.
Wo thon called to soc Mr. C.C.wu by whom wo vero received
and after the usual grootings wo loft. But before wo
left họ stated tα Mr. Li Yu Chuon that he could sco
fow of us at his house at 9 p.m. that day in roply
to Mr. Li's roquest for his personal viows and guidanco
The dologation attended a dinnor given by tho
Chamber of Commcrco.
Mr. Li, Mr. Ma and myself loft the dinner carly
to go to Mr. Wu's house which wo roached soon
Wo loft after 11 p.m. having spont over two hours
in discussion. Before trying to give the gist of the
conversations I can say at once that the general impressi: .
produced on the minds of all three of us, as the rosult of
Mr. Ju's talk and attitudo, was one of unrelicvcd gloom,
disappointment and dospondoncy. Wo loft with a heavy heart
and wo folt that the chance of an oarly settlement
was extremely romote if not impossiblo
Mr. Ju bogan questioning us closely as to our powers and whom we represented and he said that he did
so, not boccuso it was his personal concern but becauso
ho folt that the strikers' Union would raise this point
before any mooting. After stating our position thoroughly
as regards our authority etc. Mr. Wu thought that, in the
in the absonco of any authomtic document conferring on us the nocossary powers, the Union would not be ablo
to discuss the matter with us. I stated that as our whol
object was an early settlement I hoped that no formality would stand in the way of our mooting the Strikers'
Union because if any such settlemont could be
ony formal confirmation of our authority would be
readily forthcoming.
rozchod,
After ascertaining from us what we proposed to do by way of settling the mattor (i.. by rising a fund to the best of our ability by way of payment to the
strikers in licu of reinstatement ctc) Mr. Ju said ho
know that the strikers were most insistent upon the
terms of reinstatement and strike pay and we spent a long time in discussing those questions. Mr. Mu said
that those two demands had come to be more or lessS
sucrotypo in all strikos; that he fully understood our
difficulties which he had always appreciated; at the
sum time the strikers struck work, not for economic...
roasons, out moroly from patriotic motivos, the Canton
Government could not possibly force thom to return to
work. As regards reinstatement, hc instanced the case of
Shame on, which wo distinguished on the ground that the
strike there had lasted only short time. Hr. Wu thought
the matter was not impossiblo, os.ocially as the chiof European employers wore big companies. Ho grood that the Hongkong Government could not pass logislation but
could easily influence such big Europorn employers.
Mr. Ju informed us that the strikers considered that
To woro sent by the Hongkong Government to shield the Europorns (as if two artios woro having pistols drum t on another, and a third party rushed in between/ and that wo had boon given a fool's orrand.
botwoon:
Joxplained that the only objcct of our mission was to offect a settlement thoroby mitigating the already heavy losses of the Chinose merchants in Hongkong. Wo b.sgod of him to assist us by suggesting some scheme which
ould be an alternativo to the strikers in licu of ruinstatomont etc. Ho said that he had never thought of the mattor and asked us what we proposed to do. Jo outlined our suggestions and ho then enquired the
mount. Wo said wo had no dofinitc sum in viow but that the Chinose in Hongkong felt that in those hard times it would be very difficult to raise a sum like throo lakhs. Mr. Wu laughed and thought it would be futile to expect the strikers to give up the demands for 2
(lucky monoy). He said
suggestion would soom to bring the settlement, not nearer, but further apart, since it was never oven suggested that an arbitrary sum, having no relation to striko-pay or reinstatement, should take the place of both. Jo wore not even working the problem on the Hongkon, suggestion of separating the torms into two classos and concentrating ourselves on the oconomic oncs. I said wo wore up there to discuss the amount with the strikers and wore moroly cxpressing our doubt of our ability to find the sum i.. it wore bused on strict measures of compensation.
Wo then prosscd him as to his vicus as to the moulo. Ho said he had spoken to the strikers who wore going
into/figuros. Hc apprehended, though he did not know, that the strikers would procood moro or loss as
follows:-
They would calculate the number of mon on strike; tho amount of strike pay was cosy as a matter
oi arithmetic. The difficulty was to find a sum which
ould compons to thom for non reinstatement. Ho had
hoard that there woro about 270,000 strikers, of whom
thero word at least 40,000 in Ca ton. Assuming the number
of strikers to bc 150,000 and the average wages o
month to bo 350 we could more or less imagine that
mount. I in my turn laughed and said that I thought
ovon America could not pay such 2 sum.
Mr. Ju stated that it was true that Mr. Fletchor
had boon up; Mr. Flotchor scomod to think that the
domends which related to politics or to the Honkong
Government could bost be discussod bot oon the two
Govornments. Ho made it clear that the Canton Government
could not negotiato by displacing the strikers, but he
had intimated that if all the torms which rolatod to mer.
cconomics had been settled to the satisfaction of the
strikers, he would endeavour to find some formula,
afterconsultation with the strikers, under which tho
Canton Government would discuss the rest of the torms
with the Hongkong Government.
In the course of this very longthy discussion Mr.
Wu scomed to have great difficulty in understanding
hy the four delegatos appointed by the Hongkong Government would not come up to negotiato. I profosscd
completo ignorance of the history of negotiation botwoo.
Hongkong and Canton but I told Mr. Ju fully what had
happened when the Canton dologates arrived in Hongkong and how it camo about that the Chinoso morchants approac.ou the Chinoso Mombors of Council to get the Hongkong Government to make the appointment of officiel dologates (i.c. to comply with the oxprossed wishes of the Canton
dologation).
Mr u also dealt with the position of tho
Canton Govornmont. The Canton Government was an interested
party because the strike
affected Chincso and the striker.
Torc Chincso. But it was not and could not become a
principal. At the invitation of the Hongkong Government
it would act as mediators but the Hongkong Government did
not wish to make that request but moroly expressed the
vio that the Canton Government should so act. I said
since the settlement of the strike would benefit Chincso
most, just is the continuance of the strike would
damage tho Chinoso most, and since our dologation was
Chinese dologation, we would ask him as tho Cinton
Government to act as mediators in our proposcd discussions. Mr. Wu laughed and said that since the strike was not imod
at the Chinoso and since the Canton Government could not
thoroforo bo a party as against the Canton strikers thoro
could be no question of a modictor for the Hongkong
Chinoso.
The whole trend of his conversation scomod to be tha
s the strikers cxpected and rightly expected that the
Hongkong Government should sond up officiel dologatos re-
prosenting the whole community, or at all events that
there would be delegates on behalf of the European Community, they could not vory well be satisfied with a
moro Chinese dologation because thero never as any
quarrol between Chinose and Chinoso. I might also add
that in inswor to Mr. Li Yau Chuen's point as to tho
sufforing of the merchants in both places, Mr. Ju strongly rufuted the suggestion that Canton trado had suffered. Ho
roforrod to the direct shipmont which Canton now onjoys,
vtc. etc. He thought that the question of settlement was
a matter of indifference to the Canton morchants as the
trade and business of the placc is a whole hd increased
nd not diminished as a rosult of the strike, but ho
ddod that the Canton Government cortainly desired a
settlement both from the point of view of the Hongkong
Hongkong strikors and of the Canton Government, which
was losing moncy oving ing to the striko.
amount of compensation which had formed the subject of un
carlior conversation ho oxpressed the rio tht the scttle- mont would bring about a great prosperity to both places becauso Hongkong would bonofit by the fact that
the whole of Kwong Tung was now united and the trade
would not bo moroly the trade of Canton and the surround-
ing districts but the whole of Kwong Tung. He said Mr.
Fletcher admitted this.
On the 31st Mr. Li Yau Chuon and myself wont to sec
Mr. T.V.Sonng at his house at 9 a.m. and discussed tho
matter till 10 2.m. Mr. Soong was very much more sym- pathetic and statod ho would gladly assist where his
assistance could fairly be given. Ho said he received a
personal letter from Mr. Fletcher who expressed the
hope that the mattor would be settled boforo Mr. Fletcher
loft the Colony " now that all difficulties had been
romovod". But Mr. Soong could not understand what
Mr. Fletcher moant because the difficultics still
oxisted and wore groat. Ho said ho had made it very clear to Mr. Fletcher that it was not the opinion of the Canton Governmont that the mottor could be settled by somo
payment in licu of reinstatemont and striko-pay although
it was grood if the commercial torms had hoc scttlod
the Canton Governmont would do its best as regards
negotiating the other torms.
I have known Mr. Soong for a fou yours; he was extromoly friendly and struck mo as being genuinoly
dosirous of an early settlement.
At 10 2.m. we went to call on Mr. Wong Ching Vai
who was out but who instructed the Canton Govornmont's
socrotary to roccivo us. Nothing of importance took place oxcopt that the Secretary expressed the pleasure
to the arrival of our delogation nd the hope that wo
could scttlo the economical questions, stoting that tho
other questions could be dealt with between the two
Governments.
Our attention was drawn to the newspaper articlo il:
the "Man Kwok Yat Po" attacking us. Some members of the
dologation thought that it should be answorod but I was
strongly of the opposito opinion and it was decided to
usko no action. Later on wo were informed that hond bills
woro being posted up all over Canton attacking us und
stybod that wo were had instigated Chon Kring Hing to
attack Canton and that wo dosorvod to be killed.
Hr. Li, Mr. Ma and I called at Mr. T.V.Soong with
rd to those two matters and as to hothor or not ho
would inform us is to the strikers' attitudo rogardin
sccing us, since they had promised to sand us 2 letter that morning. To then wont to soo Mr. C.Cu ho informo
us ho had roccived a letter from the Strikors asking
the Canton Government, as introducor to them of our
dologation, as to what authority and status wo hod. Ho showed me a copy of a lottor which Mr. Fletcher addressol to Mr. Wong Ching ai of the 24th Docomber from which it
would appoor that our wuthority was not to groo to any
sum but to find out a sum and tako it back to Hongkon
for discussion between the Chinoso and European merchant....
On the other hand the Canton Government received a letter
from the Consul at Shamcon stating that the Governm.nt
of Hongkong had written to the Consul to the offset th t
we wore delegatos on behalf of Chinoso morchents to discus torms but that wo had no authority to discuss anything
which rolated to the Hongkong Government or to political
questions. M. Ju observed that ou power would appoor
to be moroly to negotiate and no power to agroo and ho
and ho ropcated that what he thought the strikers
wanted was somoon who could concludo an offcctive
ggrooment. Ho added that th strikers had not yet grood
to separate the discussion of the torms into to classes;
that ho had only intimated that if the cconomical terms
wore settled to their satisfaction, he would try to find
some sutiablo means of negotiating the other terms; this
hid not boon dono; conscquently ho could not interfore.
I thought the implication was that there should have boch
som delegato on behalf of Hongkong as a holo tho would
sugpost to the strikers as to the soporation. However, I stated that if we could groo to the amount payable,
there was no question of our not signing my document
cvidencing it; nor that it would not be honoured; and L.
sid hould sond on to the Strikors' Union a copy of oi
the Consul's letter as being the bost mons of indicati:
our authority.
1st January, 1926.
Last ovoning wo roccived an invitation to dinner fr.:
the Strikors Union for 4 o'clock today which wo attended.
There woro about 40 of the strikers and the scvon of us
Mr. So Siu Ching taking the chair.
The Chairman began by a short spooch of welcome nd oxprossed the hope that our dologation would ho something to spork to thom by way of reply utc.
Mr. Li You Chuon roplicd shortly to the offcct that
as roprosentativos of Chinoso merchants in Hongkong wo
woro ondoavouring to roach a settlement of the strike, and, as proviously arranged, I spoke shortly, emphasising that
the actions of the labourers in ondoavouring to improvo
their status dosorvod ovo.y sympathy and referring to
the fact that I had taken part in the mattor of the
Pork and Race Course questions. I hoped that by closo cooporation botwoon employers and workers, 11 misundor-
standing would be rendered impossiblo.
Mr. Tang Chung-hi ( Chairman of the Affiliatod
Labourers' Union of China) who spoko in a Northern dialect
and whose spooch was interpreted by Mr. So Siu Ching spoke
at great longth as to tho origin of the strike. Vory
shortly summarisod the offoct is as follows:-
China and Chinoso had always boon trampled upon by
tho Europoons, and thon the Chinese were murdorod in
Shanghai and alsowhoro, labourers ina body bogen to
strike out of purely patriotic motives, since China
was not strong enough to doclare war. Thon the
Shamcon murders. The strike was not directed against
the Chinoso in Hongkong, but because Hongkong, liko
Shamoon and Shanghai was within the British jurisdiction
and thoroforo undor Imporialistic rulo. Tho striko in its beginning was perfectly ponccful but two days lator the Hongkong Govornmont promulgatod monsuros which for their sovority wore unparallodod in any civilised country. They attem tod to cut off the food supply of the pooplo of Kwong Tung und so to starve thom just as England had dono against Gormany. Up to now thoro had novor boon single oxpression of regret by the Hongkong Government or by the British as to the death of the Chinoso at Shanghai, Shamoon and clsowhoro. Tho Hongkong Government could not possibly repudiato responsibility. They
voro at first determined not to ond the strike and
boycott until all Intornational questions such as thoso concerning Shanghai, Shamoon, Tariff Autonomy
had boon sottled. They know of the tremendous losses
of the Chinose merchants in Hongkong and for this reason and for this reason only they woro genuinely dosirous of an oarly settlement. But it was obvious that discussion could only be carried on by dologvtom for Hongkong appointed by by the Hongkong Government
2nd vosted with full authority. Four dclcgates had boon appointed by the Hongkong Government and now oight dologates had been appointed by the Hongkɔng morchants. They did not understand the scope of our authority and they would like us to cnlighton thom.
Mr. Li Yau Chuon shortly explained as regards our authority and as to undor what circumstances the four dologatos vore appointed by the Hongkong Government in
torms more or loss stated oarlior, As Mr. Li's romarks
were not audible to the pople sitting at the end of tho tablo, I repeated Mr. Li's romrks for their bonofit with some supplementary romarks. Then member of the
Labourors' Union spoko at longth to the effect:-
That for the sake of tho Chinoso in Hongkong they woro willing for an early settlement. They would not dream of returning to Hongkong until all their domands had boon sottled. As the strike vas novor directed against the Chinoso, it was unthinkablo for the strikers to negotiate with roprosentativos of Chinese merchants; they wanted no money from tho Chinoso; the Hongkong dologatos must appoint dologates to discuss all the terms with thom. As the strike was not for economic but purely political roosons, it uns impossible for thom to discuss tho so-called economic terms with the Hongkong merchenta, nd ho invited the Hongkong morchants to assist the to attain their objects.
A few other speakers spoko in tho smo strain. Mr. Choy Siu Woon and I both spoko in cxplanation, to the c.foot that we understood the strikers were willing to soparato tho torms into two classes, and that it was bocnoo of that, it was folt by the Chinoso in Hongkong that, that being the position Chinese dologationm without the ncccssity of any interpreter, could bost and most spoodily nogotinto the cconomic terms, and so wo consontod to come up. I said irrospective of succoss or failure of our mission I wol comod the opportunity of mooting them and of rencing old acquaintancos, reminding them of the professional services which I had rendered to some of them in the past and expressing the hope that merchants and labourers would cooperate and discuss any question that might arise in the interest of both in the future.
Altogether about six strikers made speeches includ- ing Mr. So Siu Ching who made a lon, speech towards the end. They all expressed appreciation of our motives for coming up, nd sincere thanks for our trouble, and a few of them spoke highly of the services I had rendered
them in the past and of their gratitude and all hoped
that we would assist one another in the future. But it
become manifest that they would not negotiate with us unless we were Hongkong delegates with full power and ppointed by the Hongkong Government. One of them Mr.
Tong Fing said that as regards the amount of strike
Day the strikers were lobking into the figures which would not be available for few days, but he thought he could easily work out that sum because we were familivu with Hongkong conditions, and knew roughly what were thu
wernge unges of the labourers. The strike pay would sh
be on mount representing the unges of all strikers tho struck for theperiod of the strike. He said that as regards reinstatement there was no question about that. Could Hongkong reise that sum ?
Towards the close of the meal the whole feeling of the party was very cordial and Mr. So Siu Ching and 11 the others exhorted us to impress,with all emphasis at ou commond, upon the "Hongkong delegates" that they (the strikers) were sincerely desirous of an early settlement and would welcome meeting them as soon as possible and that they (the Hongkong delegates) should never have any fear of whatever nature as regards meeting coming up to meet them. They thoroughly agreed with our suggestion that under the circumstances, we had better return to Hongkong as soon as possible to report on the views the strikers had expressed.
In the course of the various speeches it was made abundantly clear that when the Hongkong Plenipotentiaries come up, the strikers were prepared to discuss the terms together as a hole, or separating the political from t oconomic; they were also prepared to discuss tho
the economic terms only lowing the other terms to be discussed between the two Governments or the delegatus
and the Canton Governmont. But unless the Hongkong delegates were plenipotentiarios appointed by the Hongkong Government, or had full power and authority
to speak for and bind Hongkong, they would not negotinio.
2nd January, 1926.
Messrs. Li You Chuen, Ma Tsui Chiu, Kong Yo
Suen, Li Yiu Tong and I/roturning to Honkong by the s.s
"Lung Shan". Mr. Choy Siu Voon will return tomorrow
hilst Mr. Tso Shu Tong is returning to-day with the
Fraternity Party by other stomer.
jo were soon off by representative of the Gonorel Chamber of Commorce and by representative of Strikers' Uniob who accompanied us to the s.s. "Lung Shan".
Dated this 2nd day of January, 1926.
(sd) H.K.LO.
This Report has been interpreted word for word to us
the undersigned and we desire to associate ourselves this port and adopt the same as our own. To further ge
ith all the observations contained in the covorin, lett.2.
We desire this roport to be considered as bein strictly private and confidential, oxcopt that the
Honourable Hr. Chow Shou-son and the Honourablo Mr.
R.H.Kotowall can ofcourse forward the samo to the Honour
the Secretary for Chinoso Affairs and any other offici lo
of the Hongkong Government as thoy sco fit.
Jo bcg further to report that Mr. Choy Siu Ton
sks love to return to Hongkong tomorrow. On account of the suddennoss of our departure, wo head to lowo Cent
ithout returning thanks for all the hospitality we roc.i. d
and without bidding good-byo. Mr. Choy ill tend to
nccessory communications on our behalf in that rogard.
De tod this
2nd day of Janury, 1926.
(sd) LI YAU CHUEN.
MA TSUI CHIU
KONG YE SUEN
LI YIU TONG.
5.S!Lung Shan,"
The Honourable Mr. Chow Shou-Son
and Mr. R.H.Kotewall.
Gentlemen,
2nd January, 1926.
As one of the delegates appointed by the Chines Merchants of Hongkong to negotiate with the Strike Union, I have the honour to enclose the annexed statement, containing an epitome of our work, by way of report to yourselves, and, through you to the Honourable the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
I much regret that our Mission, as such, has totally failed, but personally I venture to think that our labours have not been entirely in vain, be- cause the knowledge and insight of the present sit- uation in Canton which we gained from direct contact with the interested parties should be of some use to those who come after us, and the friendly atmosphere we have created should be of service
hereafter.
As far as I can make out, the economic position of Canton is sound. All the people whom I met were. emphatic and sincere in their admiration of the present Administration. The Government seemed to have achieved some measure of success in its endeavou. to be a Government of the People and for the People. I understand that for the first time for some years
the Government did not "borrow" one cent in connection with the New Year. Thore is no doubt that the people havo completo confidence in the Government and are generally contented.
I do not agree with Mr. C.C./u that the Canton
merchants arc indifferent as to the settlement, nor
nor that on the whole they have not financially suffurul But I do believe that there is a fooling among some sections of the commercial community that since the
might settlement has not em as yet come about, it N as well not come about until after the Chinoso Now Year.
As to the attitude of the Caton Officials, I bolior › that they are very desirous of an carly settlement, bui especially regarding Mr. C.C./u only on Canton's terms. Of the officials wo have met, Mr. Wu scoms thu least inclincd to be sympathetic with Hongkong. I bolicz Mr. T.V.Sung and Hr. Lok King Fo are honestly desirous of holping if they could.
After listening to the strikers, I am satisfied that they, too, arc genuinely willing to settle. But there is no doubt, to my mind, that they, like the Canton Officials, have no love for Hongkong, and I think the reason for their willingness must be looked for in other directions. The conditions obtaining in places other than Canton may furnish such reasons. No doubt the intimato connection botwoon Hongkong Chinese and the Chinese in Kwong Tung has to be remembered. Aport from such reasons, I cannot profess to understand their readiness to settle, since I understand Cañon can go !! indefinitely in its prosent position.
If I had known all the circumstances of the recent negotiations", as I now do, I would have strongly urged against any dologation such as ours coming up, unless and until information has been received from or through the Striko Union that they would negotiato with such dologation, because it was bound to fail, as on
ours had failed, and becauso and unfortunate and unfavourable atmosphere might havo bocn croated for future negotiations. Happily, wo avoided this. Indood, I fool justificd in saying that the whole atmosphoro has boon improved by our coming up, because every stop wo took was taken with that cnd in viow.
You will roadily understand that this report has buon made out in a great hurry; I must therefore ask you to oxcuse all errors and mistakes which are necessarily unavoidable.
I hwo the honour to be,
Gontlomon,
Your obo.idnt servant,
(sd) M.K.LO.
Wo camo up from Hongkong by the s.. "Lungshan" on Aftor the 30th December, 1925, and arrived at 2.05 p.m. whitin, for some considerable timo roprosentatives of th four Chambors of Commerce and of Mr. Fu Fing Shoun, and Mr. C.C.u mot us and took us ahorc in three motor boats.
After goin, to our rooms at the Hotol Asia, Wo
t call on Mr. Fu Ping Shoung whom wo mot nd at the time wo mot Mr. Lok King Fo. From thoro wo wont to call at the Goncral Chombor of Commerce whore wo mot thoir ropresentatives. After proliminary grootings, the Chairun intimatod that as morchants of Canton and Hongkong
in the samo boat regarding the present crisis we could talk freely and privately so that they might know our
us the fact that wo viovs; and after ascertaining from represented only the Chinese Community, and not the Europoon Community, nor the Hongkong Government, they thought the settlemont would be difficult in view of th. nature of the domands on which the strikers insisted, which not only relate to the Chinoso but also the Europ and the Hongkong Govornment. They said they realisod that important questions such as those concerning shome. nd Shanghai hd boon reserved to be dealt with by Pekin But other demands related to Non Chinoso. They instanced
pay the domands concerning reinstatement and striko
and stated that to their knowledge those voro dominds of which the strikers absolutely insisted. I oxpressed th: viow that the question of roinst toment was impossibl: gwo as reasons some of the grounds which had boon discussed among our dologation and the two Members of Council before we went up and stated that our object wa to discuss the mattor with the strikers and sco how for tne mattor could be settled by other mons.
Aftor some further goncral discussion wo callod
on the Committoo of the strikers. The Chairman was out
and we were received by the Vico-Chairman. After prolim- intry grootings, wo oxprossed the hope that they would
fix in oarly dato for us to moot so that the matter could be settled as soon as possible. The Vico-Chairman
enquired of our authority and our views and Mr. Li
You Chuon replied generally. The Vico-Chairman thon
said that a letter would bc scnt to us the next morning.
Wo thon called to soo Mr. C.0.Wu by whom wo vero roccivod and after the usual grootings wo loft. But before wo
lift họ stated to Mr. Li Yu Chuon that he could sco
2 fow of us at his houso at 9 p.m. that day (in roply to Mr. Li's roquest for his personal views and guidance ctc).
The dologation attended a dinner given by the
Chamber of Commcrco.
Mr. Li, Mr. Ma and myself loft the dinner carly
to go to Mr. Wu's house which wo rozchod soon
Wo loft after 11 p.m. having spent over two hours in discussion. Before trying to give the gust of the conversations I can say at once that the general improssi
produced on the minds of all thrco of us, as the rosult e
Mr. Ju's talk and attitudo, was ono of unrolicvcd gloom,
disappointment and despondency. Ho loft with a heavy heart
nd wo folt that the chanco of an early settlemont
7ns cxtromoly romote if not impossiblc
Mr. Ju bogan questioning us closely as to our
powers and whom we represented and he said that he did
so, not bocuso it was his personal concern but because
he felt that the Strikers' Union would raise this point before any mooting. After stating our position thoroughly
as regards our authority otc. Mr. Wu thought that, in the
in the absence of any authentic document confcrring on us the nocossary powers, the Union would not be ablo
to discuss the mattor with us. I statod that as our whole
object was an early settlement I hoped that no formality
would stond in the way of our mooting tho Strikers'
Union because if any such settlemont could be
any formal confirmation of our authority would bc
roadily forthcoming.
reached,
After ascertaining from us what do proposed to do
by way of settling the mattor (i.. by raising a fund to the bost of our ability by way of payment to the
strikers in licu of reinstatement etc) Mr. Ju soid ho
know that the strikers were most insistent upon the
terms of reinstatement and strike pay and we spent a
long time in discussing those questions. Mr. Ju said
that those two demands had come to be more or loss
stcrotype in all strikes; that he fully understood our difficulties which ho had always approci tod; at the
same time tho strikers struck work, not for cconomic
ronsons, out mcroly from patriotic motivos, the Canton
Government could not possibly force thom to return to
work. As rogards reinstatement, ho instanced the case of
Shamcon, which wc distinguished on the ground that the striko thoro had lasted only short time. Br. u thought
the matter was not impossible, os.ocially as the chiof
European cmployers wore big companios. Ho agrood that
the Hongkong Government could not pass logislation but could easily influence such big Europorn employers.
Mr. Ju informed us that the strikers considered that
wo wore sent by the Hongkong Government to shield
the Europoons (as if two parties were having pistols
drum t one another, and a third party rushed in botwoon)
and that we had boon given a fool's errand.
Je explained that the only objcct of our mission was to cffect a settlement thoroby mitigating the already hoovy losses of the Chinoso merchants in Hongkong. Wo boggod of him to assist us by suggesting some schomo which
ould be an alternativo to the strikers in licu of reinstatement etc. Ho said that he had never thought of the mattor and asked us what we proposed to do. No outlined our suggestions and ho then enquired the
mount. Wo said wo had no dofinitc sum in viow but that the Chinoso in Hongkong felt that in those hard timos it would bc vory difficult to raise a sum like throo lakhs. Hir. Wu loughed and thought it would be futile to expect tho strikers to give up the demands for mero "
(lucky money). He said our
suggestion would soom to bring the settlement, not noarur, but further apart, since it was never even suggested th an arbitrary sum, having no relation to strike-pay or reinstatcmont, should take the place of both. Je word not even working the problem on the Hongkon, suggestion of separating the torms into two classes and concentrating ourselves on the economic oncs. I said wo wore up thero to discuss the amount with tho strikers and wore morely oxprossing our doubt of our ability to find the sum i it wore based on strict measures of compensation.
Wo then prosscd him as to his vicus as to the mouno. Ho said he had spoken to the strikers who wore going
into/figures. He apprehended, though ho did not know, that the strikers would procood more or loss as
follows:-
They would calculate the number of mon
on strike; tho amount of striko pay was cosy as a mattor of arithmetic. Tho difficulty was to find a sum which Tould compons to them for non reinstatomont. Ho had
hoard that there were about 270,000 strikers, of whom
there wore at least 40,000 in Ca ton. Assuming the number of strikers to bc 150,000 and the average wages o month to bo $50 wo could more or loss imagine that amount. I in my turn laughed and said that I thought ovon America could not pay such 2 sum,
Mr. Wu statcd that it was true that Mr. Flotchor had boon up; Mr. Flotchor soomed to think that the domande which related to politics or to the Hongkong Government could bost bc discussed botoon the two Governments. Ho made it clear that the Canton Government could not negotiato by displacing the strikers, but he had intimated that if all the torms which rolated to mor. cconomics had boon sottlod to the satisfaction of the strikers, he would endeavour to find some formula, afterconsultation with the strikers, under which tho Canton Government would discuss the rest of the terms
with the Hongkong Government.
In the course of this vory lengthy discussion Mr. Wu scomed to have groat difficulty in understanding why the four delegatos appointed by the Hongkong Government would not come up to negotiato. I profossod completo ignorance of the history of negotiation botwock Hongkong and Canton but I told Mr. Ju fully what had happened when the Canton delegates arrived in Hongkong and how it como about that the Chinoso morchants pron6 DA the Chinese Mombors of Council to got the Hongkong Government to make the appointment of official dologates (i.c. to comply with tho cxpressed wishos of the Canton
delegation).
Mr Wu lso doalt with the position of tho
Canton Government. The Centon Government was an interested
party because the striko
affected Chinoso and tho strikers
wore Chinoso. But it was not and could not become a
principal. At the invitation of the Hongkong Government it would act as mediators but the Hongkong Government did
nɔt wish to mako that request but merely expressed the
vic that the Canton Govornment should so act. I said.
since the settlement of the strike would bonofit Chinoso
most, just as the continuance of the strike would damago the Chinose most, and since our dolcgation was
Chinese dologation, wo would ask him as tho Cinton Government to act as mediators in our proposcd discussions.
Mr. Wu laughed and said that since the strike was not aimed
at the Chinese and since the Canton Government could not
therefore be a party as against the Canton strikors thoro could be no question of a modictor for the Hongkong
Chinese.
The whole trend of his conversation scomod to be th
as the strikers expected and rightly expected that the Hongkong Government should sond up official dologatos re-
prosonting the whole community, or at all events that
thoro would be dologatos on behalf of the European Community, they could not vory well be satisfied with n moro Chinoso delegation because there never as any quarrol betoon Chinese and Chinoso. I might also add
that in answer to Mr. Li Yau Chuon's point as to tho suffering of the morchants in both places, Mr. du strongly
refuted the suggestion that Canton trade had sufforod. Hic
referred to the direct shipment which Canton now onjoys,
etc. etc. He thought that the question of scttlomont was
a matter of indifferonco to the Canton merchants as the
trido and business of the place is a whole had increased
nd not diminished as a rosult of the striko, but ho
addod that the Canton Govornmont certainly desired a settlement both from the point of view of the lionskong
Hongkong
strikors and of the Canton Government, which
was losing money owing owing to tho striko. On the
amount of compensation which had formed the subject of an
carlier conversation ho expressed the view that the settl
mont would bring about a great prospority to both places becauso Hongkong would bonofit by the fact that
the whole of Kwong Tung was now united and the trado
would not bo moroly the trade of Canton and the surround-
ing districts but the whole of Kwong Tung. He said Mr.
Flotchor admitted this.
On the 31st Mr. Li Yau Chuon and myself wont to sol
Mr. T.V.Sanng at his house at 9 a.m. and discussed the
mattor till 10 a.m. Mr. Soong was very much more sym-
pathetic and stated ho would gladly assist where his
assistance could fairly be given. Ho said he received a
personal lottor from Mr. Fletcher who oxprossed the
hope that the matter would be settled before Mr. Fletch.v
loft the Colony now that all difficulties had boon
romovod". But Mr. Soong could not understand what
Mr. Fletcher mocnt because the difficulties still
oxisted and woro groat. Ho said he had made it very clear to Mr. Flotcher that it was not the opinion of the Cunto
Government that tho mattor could be settled by somo
payment in licu of reinstatement and striko-pay although
it was grood if the commercial torms had boon settlod
the Canton Government would do its bost as rogards
nogotiating the other terms.
I have known Mr. Soong for a fou yours; he was
oxtromoly friendly and struck mo as being genuinely
desirous of an oarly settlement.
At 10 .m. we wont to call on Mr. Wong Ching ai
who was out but who instructed the Canton Govornment's
secretary to recoivo us. Nothing of importance took
place oxcopt that the Socrotary expressed the pleasure i
th. arrival of our delogation and the hope that wo
could settle the economical questions, stating that tho
other questions could be donlt with betoon the two
Governments.
Our attention was drawn to the nouspaper article il
tho "Man Kwok Yat Po" attacking us. Some members of the
dologation thought that it should bo answerod but I was
strongly of the opposito opinion and it was decided to
boko no action. Later on wo wore informed that hand bill.
woro being posted up all over Canton attacking us and
stated that vo were had instigated Chon King Ming to
ttack Canton and that we descrvod to bo killed,
Mr. Li, Mr. Ma and I called at Mr. T.V.boong with
rogard to those two matters and as to whether or not hu
would inform us us to the strikers' cititudo rogardin
scoing us, since they had promised to sand us a lotter that morning. To then wont to sco Mr. C.Cu who inform..
us ho had roccived a letter from the Strikers asking
the Canton Government, 28 introducor to them of our
dologation, as to what authority and status vo had. Ho
showed me a copy of a lottor which Mr. Flotchor ddrosso.
to Mr. Wong Ching ai of the 24th Docombor from which it
would appear that our authority was not to groo to any
sum but to find out a sum and take it back to Hongkon
for discussion between the Chinoso and European merchant
On the other hand the Centon Government received a letter
from the Consul at Shamcon stating that the Government
of Hongkong had writton to the Consul to the offcct th To wore delegatos on behalf of Chinose morch ents to discu.... torms but that we had no authority to discuss anything
which related to the Hongkong Government or to political
questions. M. Ju observed that ou power would appear
to be merely to negotiato and no power to agroo and ho
and he ropentod that what he thought tho strikers
wentod was someone who could concludo on offcctivo
ggroomont. Ho added that th strikers had not yet grood
to separate the discussion of the torms into two classes;
that he had only intimated that if the economical terms
woro sottled to their satisfaction, he would try to find
somo sutablo means of negotiating the other terms; this
had not boon dono; conscquently ho could not interfero.
I thought tho implication was that thero should have be
some delegato on behalf of Hongkong as a whole who would
suggest to the strikers as to the separation. However, I stated that we if we could groo to the amount payabl
there was no question of our not signing any document
ovidoncing it; nor that it would not be honoured; and h
said he would sond on to the Strikors' Union a copy of
the Consul's lottor na being the bost moons of indicati
our authority.
1st January, 1926.
Last evening wo roccived an invitation to dinner fr
the Strikers Union for 4 o'clock today which wo attended.
There were about 40 of the strikers and the sov on of us,
Mr. So Siu Ching taking the chair.
The Chairman bogan by
a short spocch of welcomc
nd exprossod the hope that our dologation would hwo something to spork to thom by way of reply etc.
Mr. Li You Chuon roplicd shortly to the offcct that
s representativos of Chinoso merchants in Hongkong o
voro endeavouring to reach a settlement of the strike, and, s proviously arranged, I spoke shortly, emphasising that the notions of the labourers in endeavouring to improve their status doserved ovely sympathy and referring to the fact that I had taken part in the matter of tho
Pork and Race Course questions. I hopod that by closo
cooperation bottoon employers and workers, 11 misunder- standing would be rendered impossible.
Mr. Tong Chung-hi ( Chairman of the Affiliated Labourers' Union of China) who spoko in a Northorn dialect
and whose spooch was interproted by Mr. So Siu Ching spok
at groat longth as to tho origin of tho striko. Vory
shortly summrisod the offoot is as follows:-
China and Chinoso had always been trampled upon by the Europoons, and then the Chinese were murdered in Shanghai and elsewhore, labourers ina body bogan to strike out of puroly patriotic motives, since China was not strong enough to declare war. Then the Shamoon murdors. The strike was not directed against the Chinoso in Hongkong, but because Hongkong, liko Shamoon and Shanghai was within the British jurisdiction
and thoroforo undor Imperialistic rule. Tho striko
in its beginning was perfectly poccoful but two days
lator the Hongkong Government promulgated mosuros which for their sovority wore unparallodod in any
civilised country. They attem ted to cut off tho
food supply of the people of Kwong Tung and so to
starve thom just as England had dono against Gormany Up to now there had never been a singlo oxprossion
of regrot by the Hongkong Government or by the
British as to the donth of the Chinoso at Shanghai,
Shamoon and clsovhoro. Tho Hongkong Govornmont could not possibly ropudiato rosponsibility. Thoy
voro at first determined not to ond the strike and
boycott until all International questions such as thoso concerning Shanghai, Shamoon, Tariff Autonomy
had boon settled. They know of the tremendous lossen
of the Chinese merchants in Hongkong and for this ronson and for this reason only they oro gonuincly dosirous of an oarly settlement. But it was obvious
that discussion could only be carried on by dologhtLA for Hongkong appointed by the Hongkong Government and vested with full authority. Four delegatos had boon appointed by the Hongkong Government and now sight delegates had been appointed by the Hongkong merchants. They did not understand the scope of our
authority and they would like us to cnlighton thom.
Mr. Li Yau Chuon shortly oxplained as regards our
authority and as to undor what circumstances the four
dologatos wore appointed by the Hongkong Government in
torms more or less stated earlier, As Mr. Li's romarks
were not audible to the poplo sitting at the end of
the table, I repeated Mr. Li's rom.rks for their bonofit
with some supplomontary romarks. Then a member of the
Labourers' Union spoko at longth to the offcct:-
That for the sake of tho Chincso in Hongkong they
woro willing for an early settlement. They would
not dream of returning to Hongkong until all their
domands had boon sottlcd. As the strike was novor
directed against the Chinoso, it was unthinkable for the strikers to negotinto with roprosentativca of Chinoso merchants; they wanted no money from the Chinoso; the Hongkong dologotos must appoint
dologates to discuss all the terms with thom. As the strike was not for economic but purcly politicol
reasons, it was impossible for them to discuss tho
so-called economic terms with the Hongkong merchants, nd ho invited the Hongkong merchants to assist then to attain their objects.
A fcw other speakers spoke in the sumo strain. Mr.
Choy Siu Woon and I both spoko in cxplanation, to the
3.fcct that we understood the strikers were willing to
soparate the terms into two clossos, and that it was becaus
of thoot, it was folt by the Chinoso in Hongkong that, th ́u
being the position Chinose dologationm without the necessity of any interpreter, could bost and most spoodily negotiate the cconomic terms, and so we consented to
come up.
I said irrospective of success or failure of our
mission I welcomed the opportunity of mooting thom and
of ronowing old acquaintancos, reminding them of the
professional services which I had rendered to some of them in the past and expressing the hope that merchants and labourers would cooperate and discuss any question
that might arise in the interest of both in the future.
Altogether about six strikers made speeches includ-
ing Mr. So Siu Ching who made a lon ̧ speech towards the
end. They all expressed appreciation of our motives for
coming up, and sincere thanks for our trouble, and a few of them spoke highly of the services I had rendered
them in the past end of their gratitude and all hoped that we would assist one another in the future. But it became manifest that they would not negotiate with us unless we were Hongkong delegates with full power and ppointed by the Hongkong Government. One of them Mr. Jong Ping said that as regards the amount of strike pay, the strikers were looking into the figures which Could not be available for few days, but he thought he could easily work out that sum because we were famili with Hongkong conditions, and knew roughly what were the werge unges of the labourers. The strike pry would so be an mount representing the wages of 11 strikers ho struck for theperiod of the strike. He said that is regards reinstatement there is no question bout that. Could Hongkong raise that sum ?
Towards the close of the meal the whole feeling o. the party was very cordial and Mr. So Siu Ching and all the others exhorted us to impress,with all emphasis at on command, upon the "Hongkong delegates" that they (the strikers) were sincerely desirous of an early settlement and would welc.me meeting them as soon as possible and that they (the Hongkong delegitos) should never have any fear of whatever nature as regards meetin, coming up to meet them. They thoroughly grood with our suggestion that under the circumstances, we had better return to Hongkong as soon as possible to report on the views the strikers had expressed.
In the course of the various speeches it was medo abundantly clear that when the Hongkong Plenipotentiaries come up, the strikers were prepared to discuss the terms together as a whole, or separating the political from th economic; they were also prepared to discuss tho
economic torms only loving the other terms to be discussed between the two Governments or the delegatos
and the Canton Government. But unless the Hongkong
delegates were plenipotentiarios appointed by the
Hongkong Government, or had full power and cuthority
to spook for and bind Hongkong, they would not nogotinto.
2nd January, 1926.
Mossrs. Li You Chuen, M. Tsui Chiu, Kong Yo
Suon, Li Yiu Tong and I/returning to Hongkong by the s..
"Lung Shan". Mr. Choy Siu Woon will return tomorrow
hilst Mr. Tso Shu Tong is returning to-day with the Fratornity Party by another stomer.
We were soon off by representativo of the General Chamber of Commerce and by roprosenttivo of
Strikers' Union ho accompanied us to tho s.s.
"Lung Shan".
Dated this 2nd day of January, 1926.
(sd) 1.K.LO.
This Report has been interpreted word for word to us the undersigned and we desire to associate ourselves rid this Report and adopt the same as our own. To further
ith all the observations contained in the covoring lettr
We desire this report to be considered as being strictly privato and confidential, oxcopt that the Honourable Hr. Chow Shou-son and the Honourable Mr.
R.H.Koterall can ofcourse forward the samo to the Honour: the Secretary for Chinosc Affairs and any other offici
of the Hongkong Government as they sco fit.
To bog further to report that Mr. Choy Siu Toor. sks love to return to Hongkong tomorrow. On account of the suddennoss of our departure, wo had to lovo without returning thanks for all tho hospitality we roc、is d and without bidding good-byo. Mr. Choy will ttond to 1. necessary communications on our behalf in that rogard.
Detod this 2nd day of Januy, 1926.
(sd) LI YAU CHUEN.
MA TSUI CHIU
KONG YE SUEN
LI YIU TONG.
ENCLOSUR. No. 2.
Translation.
Dear Mr. Clementi,
I have received your letter through Dr. To Ying Kwan who came here, and I appreciate the great interest you have taken in the present state of affairs. During the past several days I have introduced Ur. To to the Committee of the National Government and to Representatives of the Canton and Hongkong Strike Comittee, so that he may understand the real position here. As to your request of us to send some unofficial representatives to come to lion kong to discuss with you, I shall consider the matter with the Committee of the Government nd
let you know later.
#ith regards.
Mong Shiu Ming. Somcut
Dated 18th of December of the 14th year of the Chinese Republic (1925).
Ene. 10.3.
Translation.
extract from the wa Taz Yat to. Non tol 22m. Joc.1925.
(reface to the heister of Military dets of the ora Toria)
(By Cheung Chung Ching alias Cheung Kailuak)
Internal quarrel bring greater calmlity than forei, n invasion, and revolutionary success depends entirely on
the union and mutual love of our members.
y object in
the establishment of this college under the direction of
iresident un is to teach the reasons of revolution and to
carry it out. In order to achieve success in our
revolutionary enterprises, our members must first of all
have a firm and sincere union, treating the College as
their own home and their colleagues as brothers.
the past year, the College was started with. 500 students,
and later ,000 men were recruited, and our erey WEB
formel. In the pring of this year, we took Chiu Chow and
ha Ying show, ad on our return to culton in later, we
expelled Young Hi Man and Leu Chenn. On our sucond
axpedition to the cast River in the 10th moon, we succeeded in the capture of wei Chow despite its many strategic
advantages, end then drove our enemies out of Chiu Chow
and Ka Ying Chow. 11 of us fought with all bravery, and
about 600 of our men died. Indeed, they hɛve zied
loriously, but we cannot help weeping for our lous of
them. e have shai our blood, but we have not yet done
anything to relieve the pain of the people and to make
our race powerful. The militarists are ac cruel as before,
while the Powera ere,rowing in violence. e have not
yet revenged ourselves on X for the terrible masc: cre
they committed, and have not yet got the shameful unequal treaties cancelled; neither the aspiration of our resident has as yet been realized, nor his teaching put into
practice
practice. How can we have face to see the soul of our President in Heaven? and how can we ap ease the spirit of
our heroes who have died? e have now only one thing with
which we can please our resident and our heroes, and that
is the vitality which the resident has left to those of
the College which have still survived. This vitality is
the very wok on Tong handed down directly by our
resident, consisting of Communists and non-Communists.
I repunt having failed to ask our heroes who have died,
this question before their death “Are you going to die
for omunism or for the 3 lemocratic Principles and not for Communism?" Now let me answer this question for myself before I die, ami I should say "I shall gather all
members, whether Comunists or non-Domuniste, of the Esok
Mon Tong under the flag of lue ky ani hite ui, am die for the revolutionary principles of our resident". I would
also dare answer the question on behalf of our late heroes
who were Comunists as this "we are willing to die under
the flag of Bluey and white Sun of the Kwok Man Tong for
the cause of national revolution, and when we die for the
3 Jaocratic Principles, we are also dying for Communima.
e hope that those who survive, will allow no dissension
to arise oong them, but inte in union and complete their responsibility of national revolution, tius carrying out the Democratic Principles of our resident directly and Comunica indirectly. The Democratic Principles and
Comunism have to rely on enci, other, if sucusun is desirod
and there is no inconsistency between them. we do not like
any quarrel to arise among you, as it will treck down whe
vitelity we have left." low, het should we who survive then do? We should exert ourselves with all sincerity to develop theocratic Principles so as to accomplish our national revolution. However, no national revolution
can be accomplished in present days, if communiam in
It cannot be denied tht the revolution in
neglected.
China is partly a world revolution, and the realisation of the 5 Democratic Principles also mons the success of
Comunista.
Cur late heroes knew that the N. tion Revolution
in China and International revolution could not be viewed
as two things. Thus we have no reason to allow any dispute to arise between the 3 Democratic Principles end Communism. If unity is maintained in this college, the 3 Daocratic Principles will be established and upheld for hundreds of generations, eni no imperial power in the whole world can supress it.
I have heard the Powers and the militarists
say, "Discussion has arisen among the Communists and Non- Communists of the Ewok Won Tong, end sooner or later, the
Party will break down". What do these words mean? Should not the members of our Party take warning by then? should never forget any moment the teaching of sincerity in this College. without sincerity, we can never relise tutio u a40crylic Principles, a without sincerity we can
never suceed in Communisun. kone who has no sincerity for the 5 Democratic Principles, will have sincerity in Communion. Nor will any sincere Comunista fail to have sincerity for the 3 Democratic Principlen. Tack of sincerity will breed dispute, end we can only accomplish revolution when we are sincere to one another.
Not only the Communists of our Party should have sincerity in the 3 Democratic Principles, but also the followers of the o Democratic rinciples should be sincere towards the Communists. I myself as the believer of the 3 Democratic Principles, but I dare say that I am also one of the Lost sincere Communists. Therefore I hope you all will treet one another with sincerity. Now the studanta of the ord
teru are about to graduate, and at their request, I write
this preface for their register in the hope that they will
never forget unity and sincerity that have been taught in
this College.
Cheung Chung thing.
smo culn
written in Chiu în on the 15th December, 1925.
Enc. 10.44
Government House,
Hongkong, 6th January, 1926.
Sus Ein.
I have the honour to forward for your
information certain extracts from Chinese newspapers which illustrate the increasingly abusive tone of the Canton Presa with each steps nearer to a settlement of the present
troubles wit.. the Canton Government.
The Hongkong Government has for some time insisted that rencour and recrimination should be kept out of the Press: and it is surprising to find in the Kwong Chau en Kwok Yat 20 (a paper credited with being the official organ of the Kwok lian Tong in Canton) an article of nature so violent as that to which reference is made,
professing at a moment when the Canton Government was NOT its
anxiety for a settlement through the medium of that very deletion whose members the newspaper seeks to condem
to death for their efforts.
I have therefore to request you to be good enough to enter with the Centon Government a protest against the licence permitted to their ress: licance which has the effect of a sting & doubt on their sincerity
and on the genuine nature of their professions for an
early setɩlament.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient servɛnt,
His Britannic Majesty's Consul-General,
CANTO N.
(Sd) C. CLEMENTI,
Governor, &c.
Translation.
(Extract from the Kwong Chow Kwok Han “at ro, Canton,/
(31st. December, 1925.)
Warning to the rebels
the 8 rebelь who came from long...
Keng yesterday.
by (Chan) Du Buk.
The only rebels of the Chinese Republic are the
cold-blooded foreign slaves and the compradores who have
soted in the same way as juokala do for a tigor. These
rebels are all the time obstacles in the way of revolution.
They are bad eggs who have caused the loss of the prestige
of our country. They have helped the lœperialiste to
oppress our fellow-countrymen and led them to attack our
father-land. They do not know that they are Chineas,
but as the Imperialists do not like to treat them as their
subjects, thay can only become uncivilized barbarians or
tame dogs which will even lick ulcers and piles to please
their masters.
The terrible massacro
--hanghai was immediately
followed by the dreadful slaughter in Cha-ki, and many
of our beloved brother. bled and laid dead in the streetu.
Anybody who has the least humanity, should have been very
angry and seeked to revenge. The poor and helpless work-
men have oven, despite the danger of hunger and cold, set
up a strike anu returned to their count y with a resolution
to fought a duni with the Luperialists. On the contrary
the so-called aristocrats in Hongkong and the so-called
leading Chinese merchants treated the death of our beloved
fellow-countrymen as merely losing their enemies. hey
laughed at them at a distance, and made continuous slanders
against our patriotic workmen; and they have even asked
the English to send troops to oppress our Government. This
shows that they have confessed to be rebels, and indeed
they are more than deserving punishment for their crime
They long eagerly day and night for a settlement marely
because the continuation of the #trike har ez-sed much
injury to their business. The worxzien have been in need
of food, but they have, aided them with any contributions.
The Imperialiste ve comptantly sohamed to opress u#,
but we have never heard that they over joinud with tua
workmen to offer ny resistance. h the contrary, they
are proposing pesos nugo la'ion evay day. bet ww nok
them if they are worth of sponking about peace negotiation.
If you confess that you are obedient subjcata anu taze
dogs of the Engilol, you would be the objects of our
attack. if you still recognise that you are Chine...,
what face have you in coming to negotiate auce on behalf
of the murderera who have killed our brother? You are
thinking that you are very proud of being a third party
that has come for a acu nugotiation, but in reality
you are uncivilized illegitimates.
Yesterday there dwuse the reb lw from lion,kon, who
had helped the English in their murder of our fellow-
countryun2 » ANNOUNCEMEnt has already been made by the
people of our où ntry that these 8 rebels thould be killed.
They now actually call themselv a responsible representatives
for the Chinese mrchants, and have come to Canton. Formerly
they always said that no living man should come noir Canton,
and that our government were constituted of Comunista und
pirutes. They now ro...lize that longkong will very soon
have to surrender to us, and the rotore they have come under
the title of respɑnsible representatives for Chine ue
merchants. Now let us mak the 8 rebels that since they
call themselves responsible representatives for Chinese
merci ntu, what the real nature of their responsibility is.
Will you be responsible for having askea Hongkong to send
soldiers to attack Canton? Will you be responsible for
having helped Channing Ming with arms to attack Kwong
Tung? Will you be responsible for having cused injury
the strike und keted as tame doge for foreignersy
you are responsible for all the so, then there are laws
of our country and we can only ask the Government to
execute them accordingly and have their bends hoisted up
to warn the people. II yoy are not responsible for
these offences, but have on y come for peace negotiation,
then you are Chinese, and piould help our brothers to
resist their enemies, so that the strikers can easily
come out victorious. You are not worth of speaking the
words "peace negotiation”.
If you claim to be obedient
subjects of the English and tam uoga of the imperialists,
then you aro accessoriew to the c:1000 00ziátted
should run away like ruts, even if the Government pardons
you, and have no face to have come to see us.
* To vão
who honour to invite your
tencion to the extruat from ne
noted in
desha teti
slots" (I^21%21 an the 20th
a translation forms
enclosure to this iss utcu.
roof of the autenticity of the
article can be found a in
Crownet inceu 10042.. tpailinja di
“Tonum" i "Vatoman" inseci subiy tion
Publication, and ii
picowing ita
ou coa atisfy yourself in
Luis respect, i dwe to requout ou ta dulood snou vɔ take an early opporvalley of aringin,
1. to the notice of luc e pur www.brity in
the city.
...s articlo dɔ qletely identi.ies
resunt Canton Jovernant it whe trixera
Committee, for Loue sotions it was puen so lonŠ continuously et eius to deny responsibility. and whatever may wave been the interpretation which it was previously desired should us ut
upon their failure to restrain the @triure'
His Britannic majesty's value and
solivilies
activities in Canton, new plainly reveals that
overnment as rincipals, xotin in concert with
the strikers' Comittoe, in a serious breach of
Treaty Conditions.
i have therefore the honour to
request that you will be good enough, if you
aro satisfied as to the authenticity of tho
latter, to enter the strongest protest with the
Canton lovernment against this action which bacomes an unfriendly act in violation of Treaty
ights and auditions.
I have the honour to be,
Your lost ebodi at serv∙nt,