This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[14851]
No. 1.
585
18960
[May 1.]
SECTION 18: 26 MAY 08,
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.(Received May 1.)
(No. 164.) Sir,
Peking, April 9, 1908. IN my telegram No. 57 of the 6th March you were informed of the appointment of Chao Erb-feng, the Acting Viceroy of Szechuan, as Amban in Thibet. It is unusual to select an official of his standing and record for this position. The appointment was all the more significant because his brother, Chao Erh-hsun, who succeeded Chang Chih-tung as Viceroy at Hankow in September last, was suddenly transferred to the less important post of Viceroy of Szechuan at the same time as Chao Erh-feng was sent to Thibet.
A Memorial of the Board of Finance, approved by an Imperial Rescript of the 19th March, which was published in the Chinese press on the 31st March, and a translation of which is inclosed for your information, throws some light on these appointments and the intentions of the Chinese Government, Chao Erb-feng is apparently expected to perform in Thibet functions similar to those of the Marquis Ito in Corea, and especially to extend the control of the Chinese Government over the Thibetan Administration. The funds assigned, 500,000 taels a-year (60,000l.), are to be provided in the first place by Szechuan, and the appointment of Chao Erh-hsun as Viceroy is intended to strengthen his brother's hands and insure harmony of action.
I have, &c. (For His Majesty's Minister),
(Signed)
STEPHEN LEECH,
Inclosure in No. 1.
Memorial submitted by the Board of Finance containing Proposals for the Provision of
Funds to meet the Annual Expenditure for the Administration of the Thibetan Marches.
(Translation.)
ON the 9th March the following Imperial Decree was issued and was transmitted to the Board by the Grand Council
"Thibet acts as a rampart for the Province of Szechuan, and, in view of its extent, and the backward civilization of the natives, plans for such important measures as the training of troops, the promotion of education, the development of agriculture, mining, and industries, the improvement of means of communication, the increase in the number of officials, and the reform of the Government should be prepared without delay, so that the administration of the country may gradually be put on a better basis.
"We have appointed Chao Erh-feng to the post of Imperial Resident in Thibet, and, as a mark of the importance of his office, have conferred exceptionally high rank upon him. Chao Erb-hsun has at the same time been transferred to the post of Viceroy of Szechuan, with a view to avoiding friction and insuring harmonious co-operation.
"We now direct Chao Erh-feng to investigate the local conditions in concert with Lien Yu, prepare comprehensive schemes for all the measures to be undertaken in Thibet, and draft regulations which shall be submitted for our approval before being put into force. The Szechuan provincial authorities shall be permitted to appoint the officers required, who must be selected with care. They shall receive liberal salaries, and be generously rewarded for meritorious service. They shall all be permitted to bring their families with them, and will be required to hold their appointments for long periods. To meet the necessary expenditure, let the Board of Finance provide a sum of from 400,000 to 500,000 taels every year in order to aid in this important undertaking, and let the Viceroy of Szechuan give his assistance when required, even beyond the limits of his own jurisdiction."
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