4
Inclosure 6 in No. 1.
Extract from the "An Ya Pao" of November 14, 1908.
PROCLAMATION.
The Japanese Boycott: No Restrictions to be placed on Commercial Transactions of
(Translation.)
Merchants.
IN consequence of the recent riots in Hong Kong in connection with the boycott of Japanese goods, the Viceroy, fearing that disorderly characters will seize upon the pretext of the boycott to create disturbances, has issued a special Proclamation in these terms:-
"Now, although the unrestricted trade of merchants is universally recognized, some time ago a band of people leagued together and determined to institute a boycott of Japanese goods. On numerous occasions, I issued Proclamations ordering them to discontinue their obstructive attitude and enjoining the local officials to take measures to check the movement and to warn those concerned in it. As a result of these notifications there had been no trouble for several months; now, however, I learn that a number of persons at Hong Kong, forming themselves into a Secret Society for the purpose of continuing the boycott of Japanese goods, have caused a very serious riot there, inflicting grave injuries on individuals and creating a disor- ganization of commerce. The nearness of Canton to the scene of these disorders and the possibility of these lawless ruffians proceding bither give rise to the fear that they may seize the opportunity to create a disturbance, and that ignorant people may be prevailed upon to follow their lead. I have therefore, apart from giving orders to the Taotai of Police and to the local officials, both civil and military, to deal with this matter with redoubled zeal and to take stringent steps to arrest the offenders, issued a Proclamation notifying every class of the community that merchants are to be free to trade with whom and in whatsoever manner they please; that the convening of meetings for the purpose of imposing restrictions on commerce or coercing merchants to their views, intimidation, or incitement to break the law, or the creation of a disturbance are strictly forbidden.
Should any one thus disobey these injunctions or fail to carry out the orders or prohibitions of the authorities, he will be treated as a common street rowdy, and when arrested will be punished with the utmost rigour of the law. No mercy will be shown him. Tremble and obey! A special Proclamation.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
150
0.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[40713]
No. 1.
3230
[November 21.28 Mi. 09
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received November 21.) (No. 189.)
Peking, November 21, 1908. (Telegraphic.) P.
THE reception by the Prince Regent of the Diplomatic Body, as indicated in my telegram No. 188 of the 18th instant, took place this morning, and was of the most impressive nature. The Regent, who was attended by Prince Ching, Na-tung, and Yuan Shih-kai, thanked the foreign Ministers for their expressions of condolence.
I had a long conversation with Prince Ch'ing, who spoke gratefully of the King's sympathetic message, and told me how deeply he appreciated the condolences I had conveyed to him from His Majesty's Government and yourself.
He confessed to having feared trouble in the southern provinces, and was relieved at the reports received from the provincial authorities, which, he said, showed a universal tranquillity. It was true that on the 18th instant a mutiny had taken place at Nganking, the capital of Anhui Province, but the rising, which had been confined to but a few of the troops, had now been crushed.
The Prince went on to praise the political sagacity and sound common sense of the Prince Regent, whose good qualities Prince Ching had learnt to value during his eighteen months' association with Prince Ch'un on the Grand Council.
Ynan Shih-kai, whom I also interviewed, after alluding to the unfounded rumours concerning himself, spoke highly of the Prince Regent, and joined with Prince Ching in declaring that the new régime, whose prospects were of the brightest, was sure of the honest support of every member of the Government.
0
[40761]
No. 2.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received November 21.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
(No. 190.)
MUTINY at Nganking.
Peking, November 21, 1908.
With reference to my immediately preceding telegram of to-day's date, I have to communicate the following telegram, received to-day, from His Majesty's Consul at Wuhu :--
"I have received reports from His Majesty's ship 'Britomart,' lying off Nganking, to the effect that three small cruisers are at present bombarding a fort which is in the occupation of the rebels. These latter, who are said to number about 500 men, would seem to be taking to flight. The gates of Nganking have been closed, and guards posted for the purpose of protecting the foreign missionaries. Quiet prevails in the city itself. A British man-of-war will be kept stationed off the city while the crisis Jasts, and His Majesty's ship 'Flora' has been dispatched thither this morning.
"Telegraphic cominunication between Wuhu and Nganking has broken down."
[2029 a-1]