00
and
5)
at present stationed in the Yang-tse, for which duty I have Sir
Edward Seymour's authority for saying that they are unsuitable, are
exactly what are required for the West River where the French have
now two boats of that class. May I suggest that the Admiralty be ap
proached withaa view to their transfer.
4. In addition to the cases mentioned in my Con-
fidential Despatch of 13th. October 1900, the three letters of which
I enclose copies will show the difference in the action of the Con-
suls of France and Great Britain and the energetic assertion of the
demands of the former, I need hardly emphasise the effect upon Brit-
:ish prestige of the invariable success of French interference even
in cases where the British Consul has been induced to move.
་
5. While I have reason to believe that Chinese
feeling towards British subjects in the southern provinces is less
antagonistic than towards any other nationality, I am equally assur-
ed that our influence is far weaker than that of either France or
Germany. The Chinese know that those nations are willing to wound
not afraid to strike, and fear of consequences is the domin~] ant factor in the Chinese mind in determining how far to comply with
even the most legitimate demands. An energetic Consul at Canton would have a far-reaching effect upon British interests in the south
of China.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Henry Aslake
Governor, &c.
Confidential
The U.S. AS 7.0
lux
16/5.
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in Thum
fal 12/4/01
--(last three
عمر
evelismes in
original)
Hay Kay
JP53.
Anod 20483,
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18 ayıyor
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by but feet Chamberlain to transunt to you for
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Confidential Uti
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2.
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to call his
Lordship's special attention to
the
concluding passays.