Page 36 - GFA – A Different Drumbeat
P. 36
GFA – A Different Drumbeat 36
Miles Lampson replied in May 1918. His reply made it clear how much they appreciated
GFA’s contribution and their need for him to continue what he had been doing so
successfully.
I have shown your letter to the Minister, with a view to ascertaining his view, on the
points you raise, and he bids me inform you, in reply, that in his opinion you could
not possibly be more usefully employed than where you are at present. It is a great
advantage to him in these times of stress, to know that we have a reliable
correspondent in Lanchow who will keep us informed of any local movements of
importance and who will maintain a sharp look-out for suspicious travellers on the
road either East or West. The need for such careful observation is likely to increase
rather than to diminish as time goes on: and we must always remember that Enemy
intrigues amongst the Chinese Mohammedans are highly probable. Events in Russia,
and the possibility of stricter measures in China against enemy subjects render it all
the more necessary that we should be on our guard and that we should be well
supplied with reliable information, especially from a possible focus of trouble such as
the province of Kansu.
GFA’s leadership qualities and his administration skills were clear for all to see. In carrying
out both branches of his task for the British Government he chose well qualified people to
back him up. This meant employing his own Chinese agents, and paying them for their
work for him whether he was later reimbursed or not. These talents skills and abilities
would grow and be used for many years in the aid of suffering people.
Return to Table of Contents
Miles Lampson replied in May 1918. His reply made it clear how much they appreciated
GFA’s contribution and their need for him to continue what he had been doing so
successfully.
I have shown your letter to the Minister, with a view to ascertaining his view, on the
points you raise, and he bids me inform you, in reply, that in his opinion you could
not possibly be more usefully employed than where you are at present. It is a great
advantage to him in these times of stress, to know that we have a reliable
correspondent in Lanchow who will keep us informed of any local movements of
importance and who will maintain a sharp look-out for suspicious travellers on the
road either East or West. The need for such careful observation is likely to increase
rather than to diminish as time goes on: and we must always remember that Enemy
intrigues amongst the Chinese Mohammedans are highly probable. Events in Russia,
and the possibility of stricter measures in China against enemy subjects render it all
the more necessary that we should be on our guard and that we should be well
supplied with reliable information, especially from a possible focus of trouble such as
the province of Kansu.
GFA’s leadership qualities and his administration skills were clear for all to see. In carrying
out both branches of his task for the British Government he chose well qualified people to
back him up. This meant employing his own Chinese agents, and paying them for their
work for him whether he was later reimbursed or not. These talents skills and abilities
would grow and be used for many years in the aid of suffering people.
Return to Table of Contents
