10
162
In regard to merchandize, I am continuing my efforts for the opening of the two stations-Pak Tan and Lo Ting-the two important centres for the export of straw bags and Canton matting; but the matter will require time, and will be finally dealt with by Sir James Mackay, the Tariff Commissioner, to whom I am reporting fully on the subject.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES SCOTT.
Inclosure in No. 4.
Acting Consul-General Scott to Sir E. Satow.
(No. 40. Confidential.) Sir,
Canton, November 16, 1901. WITH reference to my despatches No. 30 of the 8th October, and No. 31, Confi- dential, of the 9th October, urging facilities for British vessels trading on the West River between Canton and Wuchow, I have the honour to report that Mr. Morgan, Commis- sioner of Customs, has informed me that, in deference to the representations of Sir James Mackay, he is submitting to the Inspector-General of Customs arrangements which, it is hoped, will meet the urgent requirements of the River Steamer Companies. His proposal is to allow a liberal number of additional ports of call.
The Commissioner of Customs represents that the revision or amendment of the Inland Navigation Regulations will require time and consideration, but that, meanwhile, some concession might well be made pending a final settlement. He proposes, however, to limit the use of these additional ports of call to passenger traffic, holding, as he does, the opinion that there are difficulties attending Customs supervision of merchandize at such stations,
He further informs me that he will strongly recommend to the Chinese Government the opening of Kongmoon as a regular port of foreign trade, in order to facilitate the regulation of the traffic entering the West River from Hong Kong and Macao. At the same time he will advocate the opening of Leichow, the Prefectural city of the peninsula of that name, which is nearly opposite the French possession of Kwang Chow Wan. suggestion is that these two ports should form branch stations of the Canton Maritime Customs, their trade being practically centred in Canton,
His
I venture to add, as I have already explained in my despatches above referred to, that the opening of additional ports of call may well be accepted as a satisfactory conces- sion to the Steamer Companies, and will enable them to pay their way pending a final adjustment of the whole question.
I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES SCOTT.