New Britain herald., 1925-06-25
CHINESE GIVEN
 AMPLE WARNING
Now British Troops Guard ShaIneen District

Hong Kong. June 25 Rl-The Chinese civil governor of Canton to- day received a reply 10 his protest to the British consul general in which the latter places all respon- abilities for the death of Chinese yesterday while they were paradlng opposite Shameen, the foreign set tlement.
 In his note the Chinese governor asserts that soldiers and police at the British concession suddenly opened fire with machine guns and rifles after the parade had passed almost entirely up Shakee street. The fire, the Chinese official contends, was directed at the crowds and was par ticipated in by police and soldiers Of the French concession, who followed the British lead.
 A Portuguese gunboat fired big guns with the result that the killed and wounded totalled more than 100. This brutal killing was prcmeditated and secretly planned, the civil gov crnor asserts. When he heard the particulars, the Chinese official said he was exceedingly amazed and in duty bound to enter the most serious protest. He added that the entire responsibility for the affair rested upon the civil and military officers at the French and British conces- sion and the Portuguese soldiers and Igunboats concerned.
 The British consul general reply ing points out that the Portuguese gunboat took no part in the affair | r. was the defense forces Of the British and French concessions alone who replied to an attack made on them by Chinese troops or military students on their side of the canal.
 'I can from the evidence of my own eyes make the statement on oath" he says, that the firing was first started by the Chinese. The ! senior British naval officer and my self were standing uparmed by the bridge for the special purpose of guarding against any precipitate or ! nervous action on the part of the defenders and only escaped with our lives out of hail of bullets directed at Us. It was only then that in self defense fire was opened from Sha- meen and by French forces, which were similarly attacked. The firing from Shamcen ceased even before the sniping from the tops of houses opposite by Chinese soldiers was dis continued.
 "'You state that the action taken by the British and French authori- ties was premediated. This l abso- luely deny"
 The consul general points out that the reconciliation was on the part of Chinese troops or military stu dents, who as well known before- ! hand and pointed out to Chao- Gnu Wu in the consul generals letter of June 22. had determined to create an incident with the view of posing | as martyrs afterwards.
 The consul general states that it was well known in Chinese circles in Hong Kong and Canton on June 22, that an attack on Shamecn was con- templated and would take place on the 2Srd and that in the forenoon of the 23rd two motorcars were distrib- uttng leaflets signed Students Union 1 of the Military School of the Kwang- tung Army" melting all and sundry to rise and drive out foreigners.
 The consul eneralg repudiates most emphatically the Chinese charge that responsibility rests with the foreigners for the recent dis. turhances and asks tho civil gov
 The consul general repudiates measures for safeguarding the lives of British residents in and around Canton.