CO129-302 - Public Offices - 1900 — Page 689

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Kwang Si to be within her sphere of influence, and the

fact that two of the provinces are co-terminous with

her possessions gives her an apparent claim of right

and an interest. If England has a claim to exercise

a decisive influence in any part of China, surely it

is in Canton and the Southern provinces; and we ap-

pear to be, at the moment, in very grave danger of

losing all authority and influence in this very valu-

able pordon of China, through the inaction of our

Government.

If we fail to afford adequate protec-

tion to life und property in South China in the event

of an outbreak, France will supply our place and be

only too glad of the opportunity.

This Corrdttee called your attention last year

to the necessity of having in Hongkong, in addition

to a full garrison, a moveable column composed of alt

arms ready to lend its aid in the Yangtze Valley,

Canton or wherever else in China it might be needed.

at

Recent events in North China have emphasised the wis-

don of our recommendations.

If such a force had

been