THE ENGLISHMAN’S SCRUPLES.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1926, Page 4

THE ENGLISHMAN’S SCRUPLES.

NOT VALUED BY CYNICAL CHINESE.

(By Sir Pereival Phillips, ill the 1 London “ Daily Mail. ) ' •SWA TO AY, December 0. Great Britain has lost prestige in South China through the boycott and blockade of lloiig-kong. Her scrupulous adherence to the Treaty of "Washington is misinterpreted as a sign of weakness. Her failure to take prompt and drastic action after the Russian-organised attack at Canton on June 2fi appears to the Chinese mind a confession of impotence. The Chinese mind does not weigh the niceties of international relationships. It looks only at results. In the past British interests were protected hy a strong arm that struck under provocation, anil struck hard. The new policy of sitting calmly unde: an offensive designed to destroy Biitisti trade and influence appears to the Chinese to he peculiarly futile. They regard it with puzzled contempt. This reaction on native sentiment so disastrous for us —is being sedulously strengthened hy the Russian leaders in Red Canton. They are feeding the ignorant populace with assurances that Great Britain is a spent Power, and they point to her immobility under hostile attack as proof of this fact. Only Russia is militant. Only Russia is showing an active interest in the affairs of China. Why should the Chinese any longer fear the domination of a worn-out Power that dare not light for its interests at homo or abroad Thus the Bolshevik propaganda in Kwangtung Province. SUTCTDA 1. STUPIDITY. I have talked at length with representative Chinese, both ot the old school—men who were officials under the Empire and who eliltg to the traditions of a thousand years—anil ol the modern type of Westernised, Westerneducated business and professional men. mil their views on this point are depressingly unanimous. Some ol them are staunch friends of (treat Britain ; others show critical, even hostile differences of opinion when discussing

British interests in China. But without exception they agree that in the eyes of the great mass of the people, in South China at least, the prestige of the British Empire is vanishing. The most illuminating of these conversations was with a polished old gentleman, an ex-diplomat and exgovernor who served with distinction for many years under the late Afanehu Government. For obvious reasons he hogged mo not to disclose his identity. 11l perfect English, and with astonish-

ing lucidity he reviewed the position of Great Britain in the light ol recent events, and this was his verdict: Unfortunately, the Chinese do not Eet much value on “ scraps of paper.” The inflexible honesty of Great Britain in keeping to her pact with the other Powers regarding intervention in China is a, most admirable example of national honour, hut. to my people it appears to he mcrelv suicidal stupidity. JUSTIFIED REPRISALS. The outbreak at Canton on June 2.1. when foreigners wore killed in conse-

quence of the shooting which occurred during the passage of the “ Labour demonstration ” organised by the Russians, was sufficient justification in the eyes of the Chinese for severe reprisals. Great Britain has always been considered Lee paramount foreign Power at Canton. Consequently she should have taken the initiative. In the eyes of the Cantonese, the logical sequence to the firing into Sltameen (the foreign settlement) was a bombardment of the native city. A few well-directed shots would have nrtod like a hath of cold water. Even the Russians expected it. 1 know for a fact that they wore in a state of extreme apprehension when the procession took place. They had bribed their own people to begin the shooting, and it seemed inevitable that there would he a heavy eotinfor-attack. All the Russians were packed up. ready for High t. When nothing happened beyond the response of some machine guns the Russians were delighted beyond their wildcsft anticipations. Their hold on the city was strengthened. They not only remained, but they were able to utilise the casualties on the Chinese

side as propaganda showing the incident as a savage attack of capital on native workers. The harm done to foreign interests was incalculable.

The Chinese see Hong-kong cut, oil by a boycott and a frontier force which prevents any trade even foodstuffs, from the Canton side. Groat Britain meekly submits to this. Again, the ethics of her position have no effect on the Chinese point of view. She is being subjected to a damaging loss in trade and dignity. Daily she is suffering from that most damning form of degradation— nt Chinese eyes - the “ loss of face.” CLEAR OUT THE REDS.

Her prestige can he restored if she asserts herself, hut above all, if this is to he done, the Russians must he cleared out. I do not suggest that Great Britain can act, or should have acted, any differently from the way she has done, nor can I propose any method for her rehabilitation-. I can only look at results, and this 1 do know: tho present position is to her discredit so far as Chinese puhlie opinion is concerned. This view is naturally endorsed by all local British interests in the area affected by the .Bed movemenl. At the same time it should ho made clear that there is no demand for a great military or naval expedition to put things right. One authority with whom I discussed the question of military intervention said that it would take 20,000 troops to do to-day what might have been accomplished by a single gunboat.

The only hope of n reaction lies with the Chinese in the north. If those provinces were put under a stable antiBed Government, it would he possible —provided funds were forthcoming—• for a Chinese army to march south and restore peace and authority in Kwangtung. In the opinion of responsible observers of the situation this is the sole way out of Bolshevism and hack to normal trade with Britain. SIKHS JOIN BOLSHEVIKS.

There is no spontaneous, deep-rooted feeling against British interests in •South China. The harrier is maintained by .Russian Bolsheviks. Whatever resentment was aroused by the Sliameeu incident will quickly he dispersed when the gates are open once more to our ships and goods. Aly Chinese informants are quite confident on this noint.

But at present the native population is estranged by Red domination. They are told that Britain is “ finished ” and there is no proof to the contrary. They have even reason to believe that their next-door neighbour, India, is on the verge of revolt.

Four renegade Sikhs have joined the Russian agitators in Canton and their presence is adding to the harm done to British interests.