CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[December
17.30
C 0.
43778
765
SECTION 3.
20 DFC 04
(No. 367.) My Lord,
No. 1.
Sir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received December 17.)
Peking, October 25, 1904.
WITH reference to my despatch No. 358 of the 14th October, and to previous correspondence, on the subject of the Fuhkien Camphor Monopoly, I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship herewith a copy of a despatch which I have received from His Majesty's Consul at Amoy reporting the settlement of all outstanding camphor claims at that port by the payment of 5,000 dollars, and the proportions in which the sum awarded was distributed among the various claimants.
The settlement of the Foochow claims has already been reported to your Lordship in my despatch above referred to, so that the case, in its original form at least, may now be considered to be finally disposed of.
I have, &c. (Signed)
ERNEST SATOW.
(No. 11.) Sir,
Inclosure in No. 1.
Consul Mansfield to Sir E. Satow.
Amoy, October 8, 1904.
IN continuation of my despatch No. 8 of the 10th August, I have the honour to report that all outstanding camphor claims here were settled by the Amoy Taotai on the 5th instant by payment of a lump sum of 5,000 dollars.
The claims in question were: for seizures of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire's camphor in September 1903 and March last, two claims totalling 1,745 dollars. For these Messrs. Butterfield and Swire have now received 3,916 dollars, this amount allowing for the original value of the camphor seized—1,620 dollars—together with interest, expenses, and an indemnity of 2,000 dollars odd. Messrs. F. H. Edwards' claim for 605 dollars, value of camphor seized in July last, was similarly settled for 1,084 dollars.
Both claimants have expressed themselves satisfied with this settlement, which I trust may meet with your approval.
Some delay was caused at the last moment by the disappearance of the ex-Taotai Li, who, after handing over charge, had been ordered by the Viceroy to remain here till matters were finally arranged. He left suddenly for Canton without notice, leaving the adjustment of the claims to his successor, and thus necessitating renewed arguments and explanations.
I have, &c.
[2288
[Unsigned.]