Sept, 2.
UnpeR the above heading the Times" of August 14 contains certain comments, the importance of which as showing the colour of the best British thought towards this country calls for reproduction, And we would especially call the attention of our Chinese readers to these quota: tions.
Whatever else happens in China. whether there be violence in di tricts near the coast or in the far interior, whether British nationals are treated with open insult or concealed contempt—the boycott in itself means daily loss and a d decline in prestige, 1¢ is a negoti policy.
It does not help China the ills from which she in fering. my Chinese and it injur some other foreign nations. Te turbances and deflection: in the internal trade of China, Yet for the present it is being mai tained to our very great di age. It is maintained by an idea oF an obsession, and the definite object of British ' policy should be to dispel that obsession by all possible means. What means are there? Adequate steps must be taken, and perhaps are being taken, to ensure the safety of British nationals, For the moment the danger to the lives of individuals docs not appear to be x0 acute. But, what then? Intervention by force ix naturally out of the question. How is it possible to deal with the paychological aberration which "makes Chinese masses acck in hostility to nus a refuge from ending internat confusion? Bolshevist organizations have taken advantage of this movement and stimulate "it wherever possible, expecially Canton, where strongly pro-Soviet_ group has secured control. But the movement not specially Bolshevist. Tt is something more extensive, more genuinely Chinese. "It is a Chinese state of mind that has seriously approached and treated both with wisdom and vigour. Bejore anything else can be done grave misunderstanding haa be dissipated. The absurd idea that Great Britain is hostile to China or has any subtle is pendence, freedom, national rights whatever phrase may be used to express the growing national sentiment of a great population—must be scattered to the winds. How can this be done?
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.