in
a
confidential report received
from Luz Wolfe,
Canton wrote that
a
Cadet studying in
termeaus re-
ported a prospecting party in the White Cloud Mountain for gold. A short time afterwards the acting German Consul received from the French Consul a letter informing him that the French had exclusive mining rights in the two Kwangs (this report came from two different sources).
7.
Except we are prepared to accept the position that France is now endeavouring to arrogate to herself in the two Kwangs, an endeavour that will be, if successful, fraught with serious consequence to British Trade in these regions, I think it undesirable that a British Map should be given to the world marked with the acceptance of the pretensions of France.
Indeed, the fallacy France is endeavouring to establish regarding the British Sphere as applied to the "Yangtse Valley" might be expunged at the same time with advantage, as there are but two foreign Spheres of Influence in practical existence, those of Germany in Shantung and Russia in Manchuria.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
H. Blake
MINUTE.
11/X/04
Alcock.
Graham.
Ommanney.
J. Onslow.
Chamberlain.
Page 263
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your secret despatch of 26th August last on the subject of the loss of Mr. Innesso Macmillan's Atlas, which thanks to Kwang bring the Provinces within the French Sphere of Influence. I refer you to my Secret Confidential despatch of ultima Governor Draft +LF.
Your humble servant,
the 23rd