[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[November 23.]
SECTION 3.
..
[38536]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received November 23)
(No. 202.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, November 22, 1907.
WITH reference to my telegram No. 188 of the 8th November on the subject of piracy in the Canton delta, I have the honour to repeat to you a telegram, dated yesterday, from the Admiral:
Viceroy of Canton declines to place launches under the control of the Customs or of foreign officers, and quotes the adverse opinion of the Commissioner at Canton in support of his refusal. He will, however, provide four fast launches, consult Canton Commissioner, and arrange for the co-operation of the military. Investigation of the launch registration question confirms the assertion of the Viceroy that many of the pillaged British vessels were practically owned by Chinese subjects; the only bona fide British trader pirated has been the 'Sainam'. There remains two courses of action: either to inform the Viceroy of Canton that, on settlement of the 'Sainam' compensation claim, we will await the result of his efforts before taking active measures to protect our flag, and will also take steps to prevent the irregular use of our flag; or to inform Viceroy that the inefficiency of his patrol service compels us to increase our own, and that the registration of British vessels will be made the subject of an inquiry. I should be glad if you would telegraph to me your views on these two courses. The action proposed in my despatch of the 29th September has received the approval of the Admiralty.
My reply of to-day's date was as follows:
"With reference to your telegram of yesterday, I consider that, in view of Consul-General's opinion that the employment of foreigners is impracticable, and that active hostile action (in which expression, I presume, your proposed patrol of the waterways is not meant to be included) might have far-reaching and disastrous effect, and in view also of the opposition on the part of the Customs, of which the Inspector-General here is the source, the Viceroy should be informed that you will await the result of a trial of his scheme before taking action for the patrol of the waterways, provided that the 'Sainam' claim is settled.
The Wai-wu Pu have never brought forward the question of the irregular use of the flag, nor, so far as I know, has the Viceroy done so previously. It will, I think, be sufficient, should the latter press the matter, to say that we are already considering new regulations."
With reference to this latter point, I have just received and will forward by next bag the Judge's views on your despatch No. 200 of the 15th May.
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