Sir,
529
C.O.
2396
(Race
- 25 JAN 05;
Government House,
Hongkong, 23rd December, 1904.
I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that I have been furnished by Mr. C. Campbell, recently Acting Consul-General at Canton, with a copy of the Memorandum drawn up by Mr. P. S. Tyler, Coast Inspector of the Imperial Maritime Customs, on the subject of the removal of the artificial obstructions to navigation in the Canton River in accordance with Article V of the British Commercial Treaty with China of 1902.
I referred the scheme to the Assistant Director of Public Works who has made some study of works kindred to those under consideration and I enclose copy of his report, together with copy of a letter from the China Association who have also had the scheme under their consideration. Your Excellency will observe that both Mr. Boulton and the Association favourably view Mr. Tyler's scheme as sufficient at any rate for the present time.
The Association make a further suggestion for the removal of the Tai Mi Barrier and the dredging of the Salt Flats and Sulphur Point, which works they consider come under the heading of the Barbour Improvements referred to in Article V. I am doubtful, however, whether such contention can be upheld.
I am of opinion that the scheme propounded by Mr. Tyler if carried out and I see no reason to doubt the desire of the Chinese Authorities to hasten the completion of this work will do much to improve the navigation of the river, and
Britannic Majesty's Minister,
PEKING.