16
(Telegram to Secretary of State.)
11th April, 1899. Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Canton, forwards despatch from Viceroy, in which he says, as Customs stations are to be removed, he refuses to hand over on 17th. I have already issued a proclamation in the New Territory to the effect that I will take over on that date and all other necessary arrangements have been completed. Our prestige would be seriously affected by any re-arrangement now and I shall therefore make no change in the course contemplated.
BLAKE.
(Telegram from Secretary of State.)
11th April, 1899.
I approve of the course contemplated in your telegram of to-day's date.
CHAMBERLAIN.
(Telegram from Secretary of State.)
Sent-11th April, 1899, (10.25 p.m.). Received-12th April, 1899.
A request has been forwarded here from Sir R. HART that the officers of the Imperial Chinese Customs may be allowed to occupy the Ch'eung Chau, Capsui- moon and Fotouchow stations until October, by which time new quarters should be ready for them. If you concur in this, which I consider not unreasonable, you should inform Her Britannic Majesty's Minister at Peking of your concurrence on the distinct understanding that occupation is not delayed beyond October and that only these three stations are retained.
CHAMBERLAIN.
(Telegram to Secretary of State.)
12th April, 1899.
In reply to your telegram of yesterday's date I agree that the three stations mentioned should be occupied by the Customs officials pending further arrange- ments. But the Attorney General advises me that no power can be given them to function in the territories or waters of the Colony; and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce points out that such functioning would severely check the circulation of local trade within the Colony. Traffic to Deep Bay would be seriously interfered with by any station S.E. of Ling Tin Island or Chek Wan Bay and the same would apply to the trade on the E. side, with reference to a station in that Quarter. The Customs officials were warned of the impending change two months ago.
BLAKE.
(Telegram from Secretary of State.)
14th April, 1899.
Pending further arrangements, but in no case beyond October, the Customs Stations referred to in my telegram of the 11th instant must remain occupied. You should inform Her Britannic Majesty's Minister at Peking of this arrangement, urging earliest possible withdrawal. Your proposal to assume possession on the 17th approved.
CHAMBERLAIN.
[Note. Above telegram repeated to Peking, 14th April, 1899.]