Reception.. Held at Home of City Government Head Mayor Recalls Long Association IR John Brenan, retiring British Consul-General, and Lady Brenan on March 15, who sailed for Home on March 21, were given at the Mayor's residence. tion between them, dating for ten years. General Wu said Sir John, ladies and gentlemen, to say good-bye to a friend is never an fensy- task, still less a happy one, Tt is, therefore, with a feeling of deep yopret that we are here this evening to bid our old friend, Sir John Brenan, good-by. To soy that we shall miss him when he has left us for his now post is saying very little indeed. "Sir John has been in China in His Majesty's service for more than twenty years, during which period: he has) made many friends, and won the hearts of all those who have come into personal contact with him.
My first pleasure of knowing him was in Canton, twelve years ago. Canton was then passing through a very trying time, but our acquaintance has left an indelible impression my. mind of his sympathetic understanding of the Chinese people, hhis readiness always to take a broadminded view of things, and his exceptionally warm regard for his friends, In Shanghai it has been my fortune again to be associated with him the same city during the past ave years, Need I say that this further contact has greatly deepened the impression which I gained in Canton?
It seems that Sir John and I are destined to face difficulties together, for even before I had time to settle down in my new office trouble of a very serious nature broke out. Tt was due to Sir John and many other foreign representatives. that hostillies were brought to an end, and peace restored to Shanghai afler the hectic days of 1932, Since then Y have had many occasions to view and admire the sterling quality, 50. typical of a British diplomat, in him. Tt 1s due his untiring persistence and endeavour, as well as his resourceful initiative, that relations between the Chinese and foreign communities in Shanghat have been so cordial, and that ce-operation with the ' City Government has been so happy and effective, Sir John and Lady Brenan, 1 must take this opportunity to assure you our highest regard for you both, and extend (o you our warmest regards for your future health and success.
Sir John's Speech In reply, Sir John made the following speech:
As our host of this evening has already told you he and 1) have Known each other for more than ten years, for we frst met in 1026 when I was Consul-General at Canton and he was Commissioner of Public Safety, And this farewell dinner which he is giving. for my wife and myself to-night is only the last of a long list of courtesies and Kindnesses which he has shown to us, Those of you who know anything fof the recent political history China will know that 1926 was a dimeult time for the British. We were by no means popular then, Owing to Communist instigation we were being made the scapegoat for the ems of the so-called Imperialist powers, and we were the target for 8 good deal of hostile propaganda.
When therefore T took up my new post and paid my first oMeial call fon the Commissioner of Public Safety I went with some trepidation and wondered if the interview was going to be very stiff and unpleasant. You may imagine my relief when 7 found that the oMeial who received me was none other than our friend General Wu, as friendly, courteous and considerate as he is now and always has. been.
'AS he himself has just intimated, we have since then been through dimeult times together but, although imy anxieties and responsibilities have een but a joy ride compared with his, 1, alas, have lost most of the hair from the top of my head and the rest is turning grey whilst he, as you see, remains as young, carefree and debonair as he was ten years ago.
The philosophers of ancient times Of perpetual youth. If they lived nowadays and came to the Consulate for advice, as most people do sooner or later, I would tell them to xo to the Civie Centre and consult the official who controls the affairs of Greater Shanghai. And I would add that they would have no difficulty recognizing him, for he is the best dressed man for miles around. And Whilst they were there they would admire, as Ido every time I go the guests of Mayor and Mme. Wu Te-chen at a farewell reception Speakers of the evening were General Wu and Sir John, both of whom recalled the long associa
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.