378
(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
43164.8.
[November 19.]
SECTION 1.
(No. 255.) Sir,
The Marquess of Lansdowne to Sir E. Satow.
Foreign Office, November 19, 1901.
I HAVE received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton a copy of the despatch No. 29, which he addressed to you on the 2nd ultimo, reporting applications made to the Viceroy of the Two-Kwang by the United States and French Consuls—the former for the grant of a site for a Concession for his nationals, and the latter for an additional Concession.
Mr. Scott states that the Viceroy, who replied that he was unable to take any steps without definite instructions from Peking, is in favour of a Settlement open to all the Treaty Powers on the lines of the Hangchow and Soochow Settlements.
I warmly approve of the Viceroy's idea of an International Settlement as opposed to Concessions to individual Powers, and you should instruct Mr. Scott to give him all possible encouragement to persist in the attitude which he has assumed in the matter.
I am, &c. (Signed) LANSDOWNE.
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