CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902 — Page 400

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

395

CHINA TRADE.

CONFIDENTIAL.

No. 1.

[July 14

€ 0.

SECTION 532382

ACC

Consul-General Scott to the Marquess of Lansdowne.—(Received July 14.);

(No. 54.) My Lord,

Canton, June 11, 1902. I HAVE the honour to forward herewith copy of my despatch to His Majesty's Minister No. 52 of the 9th instant, giving an account of an interview which I have had with the Private Secretary of the Viceroy on the subject of improved trading conditions on the West River and the opening of Kongmoon as a Treaty Port.

I have, &c. (Signed)

JAMES SCOTT.

Inclosure in No. 1.

(No. 52.) Sir,

Consul-General Scott to Sir E. Satow.

Canton, June 9, 1902,

I HAVE the honour to report that the Viceroy recently sent his Private Secretary to me and desired me to cor vey to you his Excellency's perfect readiness to allow vessels navigating the West River to call at any place en route and land and pick up passengers as found convenient. Indeed, he assured me that the Viceroy strongly favoured this arrangement, in that passengers will be spared the risk of piracy to which they are now subject when travelling by native boat.

As regards ports of call for cargo, the Viceroy is prepared to encourage British trade; he expresses, however, an earnest hope that you will be able, when dealing with this matter, to make such arrangements as will ensure the revenue derived from li-kin accruing to the benefit of the provincial authorities and prevent its absorption by the Imperial Govern-

ment.

The Viceroy insists with bitterness on the drainage by taxation of the whole country by the central Government, on whom the entire responsibility for the present increased taxation alone rests; and states that the demands put upon the provincial authorities are now so extensive as to cut off the absolutely necessary funds for local Government.

As regards the opening of Kongmoon as a Treaty Port, the Viceroy conveys the assurance that he is entirely in favour of this step; and he has already informed his Excellency Shêng of his willingness to facilitate and advance the attainment of this end, as well as the adoption of improved trading conditions on the West River to which I have ventured to call your attention.

I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES SCOTT.

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