This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
391
[November 25.]
SECTION 1.
Acting Consul General Scott to Foreign Office.--(Received November 25.)
(Confidential.)
(No. 34.) Sir,
Canton, October 19, 1901.
I BEG to forward herewith copy of a despatch No. 34, Confidential, of the 16th instant, to His Majesty's Minister in Peking, regarding the construction of railways and tramways in Canton Province, as recently arranged with the Viceroy Li Hung-chang in 1900.
The French Consul is now pressing the present Viceroy Tao Mo to have the Agreement duly carried out and operations commenced at once. The Viceroy will only promise to refer matters to Peking on the Court's return.
I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES SCOTT.
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
French Consul to Viceroy, Canton.
[Undated.]
(Translation.) Sir,
I HAVE received a despatch from my Minister in Peking, with reference to the railway which the Belgo-French Company propose to construct from Canton to Wuchow, and which was sanctioned after thorough discussion with his Excellency Li Hung-chang, in which I am instructed to investigate the Regulations with your Excellency; and am informed that, if these prove satisfactory, operations can now be commenced.
I would point out that such a railway will be of benefit to the people, will make communications convenient and commerce prosperous, and be most profitable to China.
I trust that your Excellency holds the same views.
I inclose copy of the Regulations for inspection.
Reply. As soon as the Court has returned, I will write (presumably to Peking) and discuss and look into the matter.
His Excellency Tao Mo, Viceroy of the Liangkuang, has now, after joint and thorough discussion with Major Pa Sen-ssu, of the Belgian Artillery, formerly commanding the Chinese Foreign Drilled Brigade at Hsiao-chan, member of the Belgo-French Railway and Tramway Company and representing the Belgian Government; and Mr. Po Chieh, Superintendent of Works, residing in Paris, and representing (he or his nominee) the French Government, agreed upon the following Railway Regulations, which only await Imperial sanction before they can be carried into effect:-
1. The Chinese Government accepts the offer of the Belgo-French Company to undertake the construction of a railway from Canton city to Wuchow in Kuang-hsi, the Company having also power to start electric tramways from the railroad to various places where traffic is great. The Chinese Government also permit the Belgo-French Company to run an electric tramway from Canton city to Fatshan. For this electric tram service either a special line can be constructed or the ordinary railway line mentioned below may be used.
First, a tramway for electric, steam, or horse trams will be constructed outside Canton city; and if subsequently circumstances prove favourable, a similar line can be built within the city. And if at any future time any further tramway be constructed within or without the city, it shall likewise be a monopoly for the Belgo-French Company. And, in general terms, if any tramway be constructed within or without the city or at cities or villages near to Canton, it will be under the sole management of the Belgo-French Company.
2. The Belgo-French Company undertake the construction of the railways and
[2414 bb-1]