This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[April 30,
SECTION 1.
94
(No. 5.) My Lord,
Acting Consul Fox to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received April 30.)
Wuchow, March 27, 1903.
AT the suggestion of His Majesty's Consul-General in Canton, I have the honour to forward to your Lordship copy of a despatch and Memorandum which I have addressed to His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Peking on the political situation in Kuangsi.
I have, &c. (Signed)
HARRY H. FOX.
Sir,
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
Acting Consul Fox to Mr. Townley.
Wuchow, March 20, 1903.
I HAVE the honour to forward, in the form of a short Memorandum, the latest information I have been able to obtain regarding the political situation in this province.
While I am still of opinion that the reports of the spread of a rebellion in Kuangsi, which constantly appear in the foreign and native press, are greatly exaggerated, and, for the most part, without foundation, it is undoubtedly true that no progress is being made with the pacification of the province.
No organized plan of campaign is being followed out, and the Imperial forces under the Governor in the east, and Marshal Su in the west, do not seem to be working in harmony.
worse.
In the meantime, the condition of the common people, exposed on the one hand to robbery and violence, and on the other hand to military oppression, is daily growing
Even if the year's harvest turns out well, thousands will live on the verge of famine until the autumn; and the officials are apparently making no serious attempt to cope with the distress.
With the advent of the warm weather and the revival of business, the principal trade routes are again being threatened, and the pernicious practice of military escort for merchandise is again in full swing.
The year's prospects, not only commercially but also politically, are far from reassuring.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
HARRY H. FOX.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Memorandum on Political Situation in Kuangsi Province.
Recrudescence of Brigandage.
ROBBER bands have again appeared at the various points on the West River between Wuchow and Nanning, where they levy blackmail and plunder passing cargo boats. These latter are obliged to travel in flotillas under military protection, and not only is it difficult to obtain the services of guard-boats, but the exorbitant charges for escort are borne by the boatmen, and, indirectly, the goods.
It is remarkable that, in spite of the disturbed state of the country, last year's exports show an increase of 40 per cent. on the previous year, and the demand for
[1918 gg-1]