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69 20 AUG 85,
HONGKONG GENERAI, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
HONGKONG, 3rd July 1884.
SIR,
I have the honour to address Your Excellency, by desire of the Committee of this Chamber, with reference to the changes that may reasonably be expected to take place in foreign intercourse with China, consequent upon events that have recently transpired in Aunum and Tonquin,
The military successes which the French have achieved and their recognition by the Chinese Government in the Convention signed at Tientsin on the 11th of May last, are events of supreme importance both in a political and com- mercial sense to South China, and also touch very nearly the mercantile interests of this Colony.
The Convention provides for trading facilities between the Country now to be protected by France and the frontier provinces of Kwantung, Kwangsi, and Yunnan, and the teras of the Convention generally indicate the common belief that the time has now come when foreign Powers should require a revision of the Conditions of their intercourse with China, and claim the concession of facilities for trade as favourable as those granted to France.
The Committee consider revision necessary, not alone for the protection of foreign commercial interests which are of course primarily the object of the Chamber's concern, but also, and not less, in the interests of China herself, and for the development and future independence of the trade of her frontier and western provinces.
In South China there has been no progress whatever made towards obtaining access to the Country, from the olden days when Canton was the factory in which commncreo centered; and beyond the City, the river with its many branches and valuable tributaries, still remains closed to foreign enterprise, to Steam communication, and to improvement and progress in every form.
The changes, however, which the recent Treaty concluded between France and China recognises, render it impos- sible that China can longer keep closed the provinces that border on Tonquin, and it is probable that, nuder Freuch influence, enterprise will be directed towards diverting the trade of these provinces into Channels where science will remove natural obstacles, and an enlightened administration overcome other difficulties. The natural trade routes there- fore, from the west, by the numerous branches and tributaries of what is known as the Canton river, should, in the interests of China and, also, of foreign nations trading with her, he opened up as unreservedly as possible to Steam com- munication. Under well considered Customs regulations there should be no difficulty in protecting the revenue, and this Chamber instead of indicating simply large Cities to which foreigners should be admitted, would express a hope that by means of Passports and, if necessary, by Security bonds, foreign traders should have perfect freedom of travel and residence in the interior for all lawful purposes. By opening all navigable streamos, by removing obstructions to navi- gation where such exist, and by allowing the same natural and unrestricted development of the means of communication that other nations leave to private enterprise, China would secure commercial advantages of great value, and strengthen berself greatly in a national and social sense. Railways are essential to the vigorous and to the highest development of a country, but they are costly, and should hardly precede the utmost development of water communication where there are navigable streams. The employment of steamers would cost the Government nothing, as private enterprise would introduce and maintain them.
The Committee do not desire to confine their recommendation to the opening up of South China-although recent events lead them more urgently to press for Kwantung, Kwangsi, and Yunnan being brought under a regulated system of internal communication free to all nations-and the Committee would suggest for Your Excelleney's consideration, that at this time of inevitable change, the opportunity should be availed of through the great influence you so deservedly have attained, to represent to the Statesmen of China the importance of admitting as early as possible into the whole of the Empire, improved means of Communication alike by water and by land, whether introduced by Chinese and foreigners together or by Chinese subjects alone.
The Committee will be glad to communicate to you the views of the Chamber, in the event of Your Excellency wishing for more particular information as to the waterways and marta of business, the opening of which the Chamber would recommend.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
His Excellency
Sir HARRY S. PARKES, K.C.B., G.C.M.G.,
Her Britannic Majesty's Brooy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary,
Pekin.
(Signed,)
W. KESWICK, Chairman,
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