(No. 5.) Sir,
2
Enclosure 1 in No. 1.
Consul Savage to Mr. Max Müller.
Hangchow, April 25, 1910. I RECEIVED on the 19th instant a letter from the Right Rev. G. E. Moule, late Bishop of Mid-China, drawing my attention to three numbers of the local native newspaper "Pai Hua Hsin Pao," and enclosing a translation of portions of certain libellous and inflammatory articles, copy of which I have the honour to enclose.*
As will be seen, one of these articles contains a suggestion of arson and violence amounting practically to a veiled threat.
I have not been able lately, owing to pressure of other business, to devote much attention to the local native press and the articles in question escaped my personal
notice.
There is, I think, no doubt that the present condition of public feeling in the city of Hangchow is such, thanks to the unbridled licence of the native press, that very little incitement or provocation would suffice to inflame the populace to deeds of violence against missionaries and foreigners generally. Quite recently an anti- Japanese riot took place in the city, over what I have the best authority to state was a very trifling incident indeed. A number of Japanese shops were broken into and looted, and several Japanese subjects were somewhat severely handled and were placed in considerable danger of their lives. The Foreign Affairs Bureau demanded that all Japanese be made to quit the city which, they declare, is not open to foreigners to reside in, at a few days' notice, and that their business premises in the city be closed.
This incident is not yet closed, and I am told that Japanese subjects have received instructions to close their premises temporarily to avoid trouble. This shows, as is well known otherwise, that anti-foreign feeling is rife in the city of Hangchow, and I regret to say that the local authorities do not appear to be taking adequate measures to keep it under control.
I have therefore thought it necessary to address a somewhat strongly worded protest to the Governor of Chekiang against the malicious and constant tendency of the local press to stir up feelings of hostility against foreigners and the apathy which the Chinese authorities display in the matter. "Copy and translation of my despatch are enclosed herewith.*
I have, &c.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.C
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RECE Ree 23 JU 10
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[18780]
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Max Müller.
[June 2.]
SECTION 1.
(No. 82.) (Telegraphic.) R.
Foreign Office, June 2, 1910. YOUR telegrams Nos. 97 and 105 [of 18th and 31st May: Changsha riots].
agree generally with scheme of settlement proposed, so far as regards points 1 and 2.
You should, however, confine claims for monetary compensation to actual out-of- pocket expenses, such as rebuilding of premises destroyed, hire of steamers to take away refugees, &c.
Your action as regards 2 approved.
As regards 3, I doubt its being judicious or proper to include in a settlement of this case matters quite unconnected with the recent riots. It must in any case delay settlement, which would thus lose much of its effect and point.
[2788 -1]
V. L. SAVAGE.
Enclosure 2 in No. 1.
Consul Savage to Mr. Max Müller.
(No. 4.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Hangchow, May 6, 1910. HANGCHOW is showing more distinct signs of impending troubles. The price of rice is high and agitation against foreigners continues. Printed hand-bills are being circulated prohibiting leases of premises to any foreigners. Intimidation has been brought to bear on a native who leased premises some time ago to a missionary. The lessor has to-day been informed that the shops will be closed, which is the usual sign for a riot, if the magistrate does not give his consent to the confiscation of the said premises.
am conveying a warning to the governor, but it might be opportune to bring higher influence to bear.
* Not printed.