D
distributing port for Kuangsi and the West. The case of exports is much the same: the native products of Western Kuangsi now come down to Wuchow in native boats under transit pass, and are there transhipped for Hong Kong and Canton. The trade grows steadily, and as long as the Chinese authorities place no obstacle in the way of a free circulation of produce, I consider that British interests are well safeguarded under the present system. Therefore, from a commercial point of view, I do not think that the opening of Nanning would place British trade on a better footing than it is at present, nor could a Consular Officer, were he to be stationed there, render any material assistance to British merchants.
The reports concerning French activity in Kuangsi are so conflicting that I can do no more than offer a personal opinion on the subject. I consider that the results achieved by the so-called forward policy of the French Colonial Government in Kuangsi have been much exaggerated; actual French interests in the province and in the West River are quite inconsiderable. The only steamer flying the French flag trading to Wuchow is Chinese owned; there are two launches plying above Wuchow on similar conditions. There are no French business houses or agencies west of Canton, nor is there any direct trade of any consequence between Tonquin and Kuangsi. In support of this view, I may mention that the French Consul hitherto stationed at Lungchow has been withdrawn, and I learn from the gentleman himself that no one is likely to be appointed in his place for the present. The somewhat vague French claims to exclusive mining rights in the province have not yet been reduced to any definite demands for concessions; the railway from Haiphong still stops short at the Kuangsi border—work on the extension to Lungchow has been suspended for some time—and the much-discussed Pakhoi-Nanning line exists so far only on paper. There are a score or so of French missionaries, headed by a Bishop, stationed at Nanning, Kueilin, and other towns; but their influence is, I believe, purely local, and they are, owing to their often injudicious interference on behalf of their converts, not generally popular.
Should French interest in this province ever crystallize into any definite form of political activity, such as the construction of railways and the opening of mines, I think our Consular officers stationed at Wuchow and Pakhoi could not fail to receive timely notice of such steps. I do not believe that an officer stationed in Nanning itself would serve any useful political purpose. But I venture to suggest that the Consul at Wuchow might with advantage pay a visit to Nanning this summer and learn by personal observation the exact state of affairs.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
HARRY H. FOX.
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C.O. 12932
REC 13 JUN 1904
RJ 14 JUN 04
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