CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[July 10.]
C. O.
19548
RECO
REGO 26 JUL 39
SECTION 2.
Mr. Bax-Ironside to the Marquess of Salisbury.--(Received July 10.)
Peking, May 19, 1899.
WITH reference to Sir Claude MacDonald's despatch No. 46 of the 15th February, I have the honour to inclose herewith copy of an extract from an Intelligence Report which I have received from Her Majesty's Acting Consul at Wuchow with regard to Nanning and the West River generally.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
H. O. BAX-IRONSIDE.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Extract from Wuchow Intelligence Report for the period from January 1 to April 30, 1899.
Notes on Nanning and West River.-The following notes on Nanning and the Upper West River are compiled largely from information supplied to me by Captain McRay (7th Royal Infantry), who has just arrived in Wuchow, having descended the West River from Lungchow, whither he had travelled overland from Hanoi, vià Langson.
Seven French engineers are now resident at Lungchow, ostensibly engaged in the construction of the railway line from Langson. So far, however, only houses for their accommodation have been built, and work on the line has not yet commenced, as the boundary arrangements with the Chinese authorities are still under discussion. My informant heard no mention of the proposed continuation to Nanning, and considers it unlikely that the line will be built for some time to come.
The trade of Lungchow and French Indo-China, never very flourishing, has been adversely affected by the opening of the West River. Goods are now brought down to Wuchow under outward transit pass from the Lungchow district, a distance of some miles, although the distance from Lungchow to Langson (where the railway to Hanoi begins) is not more than 40 miles. The protective duties on the French frontier are mainly responsible for the deflection of this trade down the West River, which has the further advantage of the important distributing market of Hong Kong at its mouth. Nanning is situated in a plain, and occupies, with its suburbs, both sides of the river, which is there about 150 yards wide.
The city has a prosperous appearance, and the harbour is crowded with shipping. There seemed to be a general desire among the Chinese to know when the port was opened, and whether foreigners would be likely to reside there.
Wuchow, May 1, 1899.
(Signed)
HARRY H. FOX,
Acting Consul.
No. 2.
Mr. Bax-Ironside to the Marquess of Salisbury,-(Received July 10.)
Peking, May 20, 1899.
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of an extract from an Intelligence Report which I have received from Her Majesty's Acting Consul at Wuchow with regard to the navigability of the West River.
I have, &c.
(Signed) H. O. BAX-IRONSIDE.
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