This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government)
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL,
No. 1.
168
[June 4.]
SECTION 1.
(No. 12.) My Lord,
Consul-General Scott to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received June 4.)
Canton, April 29, 1903.
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of a despatch which I have this day addressed to His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Peking regarding a proposal to invite French co-operation in suppressing the Kwangsi rebellion.
I have, &c. (Signed)
JAMES SCOTT.
Inclosure 1 in No. 1,
Sir,
Consul-General Scott to Mr. Townley.
Canton, April 29, 1903. I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a telegram which appeared yesterday in the "Hong Kong Daily Press," according to which it would appear that the Governor of the Province of Kwangsi, feeling himself unable to repress the rebellion in his district, proposes to invite the assistance of the French military forces.
I have made confidential inquiries into the truth of this report; and to-day the Viceroy has assured me that no such intention has ever existed. French military co-operation has, however, been proffered, but always courteously declined.
Whatever the situation may be, it is well known that recently the French have been strengthening their native levies in Tonking by additions of European troops from Saigon.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES SCOTT.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Telegram from the "Hong Kong Daily Press."
A MASS meeting of Southern Chinese was held here yesterday, and a committee meeting at the Canton Guildhall to-day, to protest against Governor Wang's reported intention to invite the French to assist in repressing the rebellion in Kwangsi.
Shanghae, April 26, 1903.
[2020 d-1]