This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.1707
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[38889]
No. 1.
[November 25.]
SECTION 4.
P 24 DEC 07
524
Admiralty to Foreign Office.-(Received November 25.)
(Confidential.) Sir,
Admiralty, November 23, 1907. WITH reference to Admiralty letter of to-day's date, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, decypher of a telegram dated to-day from the Commander- in-chief, China, respecting piracy in the Canton River.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
Inclosure in No. 1.
C. I. THOMAS.
Vice-Admiral Sir A. Moore to Admiralty.
(Telegraphic.) P.
Canton, November 23, 1907. FOUR fast steam-launches will be supplied by Chinese Viceroy, who will also arrange for co-operation of military authorities, and will consult the Customs Commis- sioners at Canton as to the service required. Viceroy, however, refuses to place the steam-launches under the control of the Customs or their officers, quoting after full consideration the adverse opinion of the Canton Commissioners. He further states that many of the British steam-launches pillaged were practically owned by Chinese subjects, a statement which is confirmed on examining the question of these vessels being registered, as the "Sainam" is the only bond fide British trader robbed.
British Minister states that the opposition of the Customs emanates from the Inspector-General,
I have informed the Viceroy, with the concurrence of the British Minister, that his decision will necessitate our own patrol service being greatly increased for the protection of British interests in accordance with my instructions, but that I will recommend to British Government to postpone sending additional vessels until the results of his proposed measures are seen, if he will settle the claim for compensation in the case of the Sainam,"
In the meantime the regulations for registration are being inquired into. Consul-General concurs, I shall leave for Hong Kong on the 25th.
British
[2732 66-4]