2
It is now some years since so serious a raid has been experienced on the frontier, and, although the actual incident may be closed by local negotiations, it is impossible The Chinese have to disregard the recrudescence of serious border troubles. strengthened their material position in this district by the presence of the second frontier deputy, and they have a considerable number of troops near at hand, but the attitude of the Taotai Keng during the past year has been a direct incitement to lawlessness, and he has persistently disregarded the fact that the moral forces of co-operation and neighbourly relations with the Burmah frontier officers carry even greater weight than actual force. He was responsible for a succession of false and unfriendly rumours in regard to the troubles in the Northern Shan States last autumn, and the Chinese Sawbwas realised that they would meet with no official displeasure had they chosen to interfere in the affairs of North Senwi. Representatives from all the Shan States were present at the froutier meeting, and the Taotai's attitude then was an open encouragement to border aggression, whilst his unreasonable and ill-balanced disregard of the tribal disputes appeared to the British officers to hold such dangerous possibilities, that on the 21st January the Superintendent, Northern Shan States, the Deputy Commissioner, Bhamo, and I addressed to the Taotai a joint note, in which we said: "The questions which we now place before you are all matters affecting the daily life and welfare of the frontier peoples. In view of your attitude in failing to settle outstanding questions, or to pay the recognised compensation in the murder rases which have been proved, it will be extremely difficult to prevent ill-feeling, feuds, reprisals, and the serious troubles to which such affairs give rise among the tribes along the border." In spite of our protests, however, and of the definite warning of impending trouble in the Powang district contained in the despatch which I have now the honour to enclose, he has made no attempt to meet his responsibilities in regard to the frontier peace.
For a short time the Taotai made the most earnest protestations of friendship, and talked much of a desire for co-operation, whilst he actually settled his outstanding cases in Tengyueh--a satisfactory though belated settlement as far as British claims were concerned, but entirely ineffective in its moral effect on the frontier peoples. The frontier deputy was then with him, and was exercising a moderating personal influence, whilst the presence of British troops on the actual frontier had a speedy effect in bringing the Chinese to a reasonable mood. The withdrawal of the troops, however, has been marked by a return of the old attitude. The Taotai does not hesitate to make the most open misrepresentations of fact; he has seized and imprisoned a young muleteer, whose only offence was to conduct his mules to the Myitkyina columu, and he is gradually reverting to his old policy of open antagonism.
During our troubles of the past year I have hesitated to suggest any action in regard to the Taotai, but in view of this latest and most serious raid, it appears not only reasonable but essential in the interests of our frontier peace to demand the removal and degradation of an officer whose service on the frontier has been marked by a succession of unfriendly acts, and whose continued presence would create a constant menace to our frontier peace. That most anti-British of officials, the Taotai Chin Shusheng, was raised at once to the post of provincial judge, after the publication in Tengynch of an offensive and scurrilous book on British affairs (reference Tengyueb despatch No. 41 of the 16th October, 1908, and Peking, No. 6, of the 1st December, 1908), and this official recognition of unfriendly tactics on the frontier cannot fail to exercise a most unhealthy influence on the attitude of frontier officials until some example is made, whilst recent troubles culminating in the serious incident of the Powang raid appear to offer strong and reasonable grounds for demanding such an example in the suitable punishment of the Taotai Keng Pao-kuei.
I have, &c.
Sir,
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Enclosure 2 in No. 1.
Acting Consul Rose to Tengyueh Taotai.
Camp at Nankham, January 14, 1911 (14th of 12th moon). I HAVE the honour to inform you that I have received from Mr. Thornton, the Superintendent, Northern Shan States, a despatch, in which he says:-
"I propose to effect the arrest of a man named Sao Naw, who is a notorions character, and is now accused of embezzlement and cattle theft, and is believed to be collecting men for the purpose of murdering the Powang Duwa. As Powang is on the frontier, and as it marches with the Chinese Shan States of Chefang and Mong-pan, 1 think it would be well for the Chinese to co-operate with us in effecting the arrest, for Sao Naw is known to be in constant communication with the Chefang Kachins and especially with a man known as Sao-tu of Waw-chong in Chefang, Such co-operation would prevent the man's escape into Chinese territory, and would avoid the risk of serious trouble on the frontier. I shall be glad, therefore, if you will communicate with the Tengyneh Taotai, and request him to direct the Chefang Sawbwa to co-operate with Mr. Kiernander, the Assistant Superintendent at Kutkai, with a view to preventing the serious incident which might otherwise result.'
I (the consul) have the honour to bring these facts to your notice, and to request that you will be so good as to direct the Chefang Sawhwa to co-operate with Mr. Kiernander, who will leave for Powang shortly to effect Sao Naw's arrest.
I have, &c.
ARCHIBALD ROSE.
ARCHIBALD ROSE.
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