We were allowed to telephone to' the British Consulate and the Viee-Consul, Mr. Burdett, came to rescue The Chinese in charge of things referred this development to hi headquarters and we were surprised to hear that not only was the Consul denied permission to take us away ut that it was the intention of the local authorities to return us to Manchouli by the next train.
Collins and I were then left at the station while Mr. Herbert Phillips, the Consul, and Mr. Burdett, the Vice-Consul, proceeded to the Office of the High'Civil Administrator and /sasquently to the Bureau for Foreign Affairs to secure our release, We gathered that they met with certain amount of opposition and evasion and this must have been the ease as it was four hours before they returned to the station and got us out, During this time we were allowed to go to the buffet but were every where followed by soldiers who also sat at the next table.
One Chinese in foreign dress, probably a detective, was with us continually, and on our hinting at the possibility of an attempt to break away by force he sen. for reinforcements who were posted at the doors of the buffet.
The authorities feared that other charges might be brought against us by the Manchouli people and in order that we might be here to answer them wished Mr. Phillips to guarantee that we would remain in Harbin for at least one day: till the night of the 17th, This appeared ta be the best way out of an impasse and on these conditions we were allowed out. It practically amounted to being "out on ball."
The Situation Summarized The main points that occur to me (G1) _A change in policy here with no notification to H.B.M. Consul, who states that we were quite in order to attempt to come into China without isos from a Chinese Consul, (2) Unintelligent execution of orders by the man at Manchouli, (3) egal detention of British subjects in Harbin, They should it. uny ease of doubt have been conveyed at once to their Consulate, (4) Deliberate insult to Britain by point blank refusal to hand us over to the Consul when personally asked to do s0.
(5) Further insult to Britain by causing Mr. Phillips and his Vice-Consul to wait for several hours before a decision could be given.
(6) What will happen to three Englishmen who, 1 believe, are on the train due here on the 33rd and who probably have no also others.
(7) What would have happened to us had we been without our Exity rights and had we not had a Consul who was able to and did ress the Chinese mom thoroughly ill he got satis
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