2
shown by the enclosed despatch, which draws attention to an obviously false report on the part of the Prefect Feng. In reply to my despatch the taotai las sent me a note, couched in most discourteous terms, endeavouring unofficially to shift from his former position, and alleging also that he did not raise the question of the Lweje post. As it will be impossible to conduct business if the officials are to be allowed to make wild and incorrect ventures officially and to deny them if they find themselves in the wrong, I am forwarding copies of the correspondence to His Majesty's consul-general at Yunnan-fu, and requesting him to bring the matter to the notice of the Viceroy. The Chinese are naturally nervous and easily moved in all questions connected with the frontier, and I have spared no pains during my term of office in Tengyueh to assist them in every possible way in the settlement of frontier questions, and to foster good relations, an effort in which the frontier officers of the Burmah Government have given me the most loyal support. The Chinese have shown a regrettable disinclination to second our efforts, or to meet us in any way by reasonable co-operation. They have ignored their agreements with us, have impeded the work of the Burmah officers, in spite of the promises of the frontier meeting, have imprisoned the interpreter who accompanied me into the unadministered territory in disregard of all international courtesy, and have shown a general desire to oppose and obstruct us in every possible way. It may be hoped that definite instructions from Yunnan-fu would show the new taotai the folly of such a policy before it is too late, and it is with this object that I am appealing for assistance to Mr. O'Brien Butler. Many other questions are outstanding, but I am loath to bring them to your notice until Ï have exhausted all possibility of local settlement, and I believe that the Taotai Keng would be willing to meet me on reasonable terms if he were freed from those hostile influences which carry undue weight with an officer who is new to the strange and difficult conditions of a frontier post, and if the Viceroy could be convinced of the benefits of harmonious relations.
The position on this frontier has been unsatisfactory and difficult for many years; large sections of the border line are still unaccepted by the Chinese, in spite of the heavy expense which has been incurred in frontier delimitation by the Government of Burmah, and they have shown a constant disregard for British interests and an unwillingness to co-operate in the difficult problems which beset both China and I have the honour to submit once more au carnest Buriah on a half-savage frontier,
appeal for some definite action in regard to the unadministered territory, believing that by action and by action alone will the Chinese be convinced that we are no longer willing to submit to their unreasonable and obstructive stand in every question which affects the interests of their Indian neighbour.
I have, &c.
ARCHIBALD ROSE.
3
I am constrained to bring to your attention the advantage of a careful and exact treatment of such international questions as may arise between us; in this way alone can foolish contentions be avoided and amicable relations maintained. Only a few days ago you took advantage of an interview to suggest that the British frontier post at Lwoje was within 10 miles of the border line, and was therefore erected in contravention of our treaties. I would refer you to article 7 of the Burmah Convention of 1894 and to clause 2 of the Manai Agreement of 1902, where you will find ample provision made for the post in question.
The relations between the Governments of Great Britain and China are of a friendly nature, and I am sure that you have not been slow to grasp the position of affairs on this frontier. It is my sincere desire that we should work in harmony and sympathy in dealing with frontier matters and in establishing good relations in our international affairs. For this reason, I am prompted to urge that you will not in future be led away by idle and mischievous rumours.
Compliments.
ARCHIBALD ROSE.
Norr-Burmah Convention of 1894, article 7: "The high contracting parties further engage neither to construct nor to maintain within 10 English miles from the nearest point of the common frontier. . any fortificatious or permanent camps beyond such posts as are necessary for preserving peace and good order in the frontier districts."
Manai Agreement of 1902, clause 2: It is stated in the China-Burmah Treaty that each party is to be responsible for their wild tribes." The clause goes on to provide for ten British posts, including Lweje, and for four Chinese posts. Some at least of the latter have been erected and are occupied by troops at present.
A. N.
Sir,
Enclosure 2 in No. 1.
Acting Consul Rose to Tootai Keng Pao-kuci.
Tengyueh, August 7, 1910 (Esüan-l'ung, 3rd moon, 7th day).
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 5th instant. You inform me that the Administrator of Foreign Affairs at Yünnan-fu draws your attention to a telegram received from the late Tactai Liu of Tengyuch on the subject of the destruction of the Lungchuan boundary pillar; the telegram states: (1) that the Yungchang prefect reported a joint examination of this pillar by himself, the deputy commissioner, Bhamo, and the British consul at Tengyuch; (2) that the pillar was found to be 117 feet within the Chinese boundary line; and (3) that the consul consented to its destruction.
I am unable to conceal my surprise that the Yungchang prefect should have reported that I sanctioned the destruction of this pillar; I distinctly told him that he would be ill-advised to interfere with it in any way, and that the matter must be referred to the Government of Burmah, who would certainly arrange for a just and proper settlement. That the prefect should have presented a false report to his Government on such a question is most regrettable. For any further information which you may desire for the benefit of the Administrator of Foreign Affairs I can only refer you to my despatch of the 22nd July, in which the question is dealt with at length.
125
1