The development of the trade at the Yangtsze ports, and the stimulus given to industry and commerce since the Great River was opened to the Treaty Powers affords some criterion of what may be expected if the Riverine ports in Kwangtung and Kwangsi are brought within reach of the outside world. At Chungking, the last port on the Yangtsze at which Foreigners have been permitted to reside for purposes of trade, and in spite of the relinquishment of the rights acquired by Treaty in regard to reaching it by steamers, the development has been remarkable, and the value of its commerce has attained by last Customs returns to the figures of Haikwan Taels 5,780,000 Imports, and Taels 3,470,000 Exports.
The concession to France of the right to trade at Lungchow in Kwangsi and at Mêngtszu in Yunnan has had the effect of creating a volume of business at these places of a value in 1892 of Haikwan Taels 24,000 Imports, Taels 12,400 Exports, and Haikwan Taels 1,050,000 Imports, Taels 830,000 Exports, respectively, and the Committee of this Chamber are of opinion that the advantage thus secured to France is sufficient to justify a claim on the part of Great Britain for the opening of the West River, which would seem the only equivalent of the privileges granted to our neighbours on the western borders.
I have the honour to forward to Your Lordship herewith a Map showing the Canton River throughout its course, with the towns referred to in this letter marked in red for convenience of identification, and I am also sending a map to H.B.M. Minister at Peking together with a copy of this letter.
In conclusion the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce ventures to hope that from the well-known interest Your Lordship has at all times manifested in the protection, maintenance, and development of British Commerce and privileges both at home and abroad, you will be pleased to direct that negotiations may be entered upon with the Chinese Government through H.B. Minister at Peking, for opening to trade the cities on the Canton River referred to in this communication.
I have the honour to be,
To the Right Honourable
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient servant,
THE EARL OF ROSEBERY, K.G.,
Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,
London.
J. J. KESWICK,
Chairman.
DRAFT.
Eor 7562693
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Mr. Fairfield.
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