entirely the restrictions on the purchase of cattle
in Kuangsi by British subjects.
With regard to the question of the importation
of arms from Hong Kong into China, His Majesty's
Consul-General informed the Viceroy that His Majesty's
Government had, at their own instance, taken
measures to restrict the trade in arms in Hong Kong,
although the term of two years during which, under
the Peace Protocol, no arms could be imported into
China, has now expired. The Viceroy, in his telegram
announcing the withdrawal of all restrictions
on the purchase of cattle in Kuangsi, expressed
the hope that the Hong Kong Government would take
strict measures to detect the smuggling of arms.
I am to suggest for Mr. Secretary Lyttelton's
consideration, that the attention of the Governor
of Hong Kong may be called to the last paragraph
of a despatch which has been addressed to His Majesty's
Minister at Peking, and a copy of which is
inclosed, instructing him that Mr. Scott should
inform the Viceroy that the Governor of Hong Kong
will use every endeavour to prevent the illicit importation
of arms into China.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Hb Merepbell,
369