Times 13.11.1902
NEW CHINO-PORTUGUESE TREATY.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MACAO.
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
SHANGHAI, Nov. 11. Senhor Castello Branco, the Portuguese Minister, signed a new treaty with China here today. Apart from the questions which specially affect the Portuguese colony of Macao and its relations with the mainland of the Kwang-tang province, the provisions of the treaty are generally similar to those recently concluded with Great Britain, the United States, and Japan.
As regards Macao, Portugal, while affording China improved facilities for the prevention of the contraband opium trade, obtains a satisfactory recognition of the commercial rights of the colony, especially with reference to the navigation of the West River. The rice trade from the mainland, on which the native population of Macao depends for its supplies, is the subject of a subsidiary agreement recorded in an exchange of despatches which are appended to the treaty.
A contract has also been signed for the construction of a railway from Macao to Sung-shan by a Chino-Portuguese syndicate - an undertaking which the position of affairs in South China is likely to render of considerable political importance in the future. A clause in the treaty referring to the protection of the Chinese revenue is framed conditionally in a manner similar to that of the likin article in the British treaty.
near Canton
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