Tientsin, Niuchuang &c. As the only way at present of effecting such a reduction would be the establishment of British Agencies which would introduce the id rate it may be assumed that they have changed their minds too. The China League (26466) ask for an Agency at Tientsin and the inhabitants of KIUKIANG (120746) ask for one in that town. In 1901 the China League ask for an Agency in Tientsin. 29163/contains a petition from Chefoo inhabitants asking for an Agency there.
It appears therefore that there is large body of opinion in favour of establishing Agencies in some or all of the larger northern ports and towns.
The O.A.G. is providing on the Estimates for an Agency at Chefoo and is enquiring as to Tientsin and Peking.
This matter can really be dealt with apart from the Wei-Hai-Wei Post Office question as the Agencies can be transferred to the Wei-Hai-Wei administration if established, if it is thought desirable.
Send copy to F.O. asking whether they see any objection to the proposal to establish Agencies in either of the three places referred to in this despatch, referring to Sir E.Satow's expression of opinion in 11858 as to Tientsin and say that, if they see no objection we propose to authorise the vote on the Estimates for the Chefoo Agency, and send the drafts on telling Mr Johnston that the question of establishing Agencies at some of the northern towns has for some time been under consideration and that there is the question whether they could if established, be better worked from Hongkong or Wei-Hai-Wei, supposing an independent Office to be established in the latter place, and that if he goes to Wei-Hai-Wei he should discuss this point with Dr Lockhart visiting the towns referred to if it is thought necessary.
R.I.S. 20/9 proceed as proposed, except we should ask F.O. concurrence before giving its instructions to Mr Johnston.
I ask F.O. to instruct their consuls at these places to give facilities to Mr Johnston for making his enquiries.
27.9 C.Pd 27 at once