SOUTH-WEST CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[December
SECTION 1.
6
Consul-General Scott to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received December 12.)
(No. 84.) My Lord,
Canton, October
1902.
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of a despatch which I have this day addressed to his Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong regarding the situation in the south of China, and which I am also communicating to His Majesty's Minister in Peking.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES SCOTT.
Inclosure in No. 1.
(Confidential.) Sir,
Consul-General Scott to Sir H. A. Blake.
Canton, October 30, 1902,
I FIND that during the last few weeks there have been various rumours in circulation regarding rebellion and other troubles in Kuang-tung and Kuang-si, and of proposed French action in connection therewith. I deem it my duty, therefore, to place before your Excellency such information as I have been able to obtain.
Under ordinary circumstances I should not have deemed it necessary to communicate with you, but, from certain information received from Hong Kong, I understand that in high quarters, both military and civil, there exists a certain anxiety as to the political situation in the south of China.
I am happy, however, to assure your Excellency that, apart from famine and piracy, matters are quiescent. It is true that there has been some movement of troops, but these are merely the An-hui forces belonging to the new Governor proceeding to Wuchow and Nanning. Brigandage exists in Kuang-tung and Kuang-si, but no organized rebellion.
As regards French intentions in South China, I learn from a reliable and very confidential source that the French Government have of set purpose withdrawn M. Doumer from Tonquin and M. Hardouin from Canton with a view to embarking on a more conciliatory policy towards China.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JAMES SCOTT.
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