This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's
CO. 39485 373 Rag 28 TCT 03
also say that cattle are absolutely required as food supplies for Hong Kong, and that the opening of four districts is not sufficient to meet requirements.
I have given the matter full consideration. The object of the prohibition of the export of cattle was two-fold—to prevent illicit trade in munitions of war, and to preserve the breed of cattle in Kuang-si. However, as you say that unless the prohibition is removed Hong Kong cannot get supplies, I shall now, notwithstanding the difficulties of the situation, withdraw the prohibition, and thus accentuate friendly relations. For this purpose, I have instructed the Wuchow Customs to remove all restrictions to the cattle export throughout Kuang-si,
I am most grateful to the Hong Kong Government for rigidly prohibiting the sale of arms to private persons, and trust that it will take strict and secret measures to detect arm smuggling, and so prevent profit-seeking traders, whether Chinese or foreign, from carrying on an illicit trade in arms; this is most important. I direct you to communicate the above to the British Consul, and also to see him personally on the matter.
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[September 28]
SECTION 1
Mr. Townley to the Marquess of Lansdowne.~(Received September 28.)
(No. 293.) My Lord,
Peking, August 12, 1903.
The Hong Kong Government has twice recently invited my assistance in procuring the withdrawal of a prohibition by the Canton authorities of the export of cattle from Kuang-si, on the ground that the troops and ships-of-war at Hong Kong depended on this source of supply. On the first occasion the Provincial authorities declared that they must maintain the prohibition as regarded water buffaloes, used in ploughing, but would remove it as regarded ordinary cattle, but in the present case the new Viceroy justifies his action on the ground that the cattle dealers are the chief intermediaries in the supply of arms to the Kuang-si rebels, and also that the country will be denuded of cattle if no restrictions are placed on the export from localities where famine prevails. He offered, however, as a proof of his friendly disposition towards Great Britain to allow the dealers to buy cattle in certain specified districts under strict surveillance, and I learn by telegram from Sir Henry Blake that he considers the Viceroy's proposals fair. I have, therefore, written to the Board of Foreign Affairs to that effect.
I have the honour to inclose translation of the Viceroy's telegram, as communicated by the Board.
I have, &c.
(Signed) WALTER TOWNLEY,
Page 4
Sir,
Inclosure in No. 1.
Prince Ching and Ministers to Mr. Townley.
15th day of 6th Moon (August 8, 1903.)
On receipt of your letter with regard to the prohibition of the export of cattle from Kuang-si, we telegraphed to the Viceroy of the Two Kuang for information, and we have received from him a reply to the following effect:—
"In this matter of the export of cattle from Kuang-si, all my information goes to show that the brigands' supply of arms is kept up mainly through the cattle dealers, who smuggle in arms and ammunition for them, and take cattle in exchange, making a great profit. There are in Kuang-si comparatively few water buffaloes, and it is customary to use cattle in ploughing. In the localities where there has recently been a famine, the destitute people have sold their cattle in order to get food, and there are hardly any left. The officials and gentry are now establishing offices for pawning cattle, which receive and feed them, and when the ploughing season comes, the people will be allowed to redeem them.
"Thus the export has injurious effects, both as regards the suppression of the brigands and famine relief, and it was only under the pressure of necessity that I decided to impose a temporary prohibition of the export for six months, to be removed as soon as matters improved both as regards military operations and the scarcity.
"The British Consul has, however, informed me that the Hong Kong garrison cannot dispense with this source of food supply, and that it is almost impossible to obtain cattle elsewhere. I propose, therefore, under the circumstances to make a modification in the rule, and to permit the Kuang-si cattle dealers to buy cattle in four Prefectures only, namely, Wu-chou, Hsun-chow, Ping-lo, and Yü-lin, and to prohibit their proceeding to any place where military operations are in progress. They will also be ordered to report at the barriers to what place they are proceeding to get cattle, and what number, and will receive a permit from the station. Strict search will at the same time be made to ascertain whether they are smuggling arms, and officials will be deputed to follow them to the place where they make their purchases and thoroughly...
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