The French authorities are also turning their attention to the construction of railways. As already reported, an application was made recently by the French Consul for a concession for a railway from Canton to Wuchow; the Viceroy pleaded inability to negotiate such a concession, and referred the Consul to the Central Government. Recently the request has been renewed, and the Viceroy still pleads inability to deal with the matter, but suggests waiting until after the Court's return to Peking.
There is already a railway from Haiphong through Langson as far as the Tong King frontier, which is to be continued to Lungchow, with Nanning as its objective.
I just learn that premises have been rented on the French Concession, where it is intended to establish a branch of the Banque de l'Indo-Chine, with a regular European staff. I feel bound to say that commercially there is no necessity for the establishment of such a branch in the interests of French trade.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES SCOTT,
Office of Individual,
No 36194
(Subject)
French schemes & industrial undertakings in Canton.
DOMESTIC.
C. O.
30104
REG 16 OCT 01
Foreign
1901
15 Oct
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