This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government,
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
25
[December 22.]
SECTION 3.
(No. 337.) My Lord,
Sir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received December 22.)
Peking, November 6, 1902. IN response to a request from the China Association at Hong Kong, supported by his Excellency the Governor, I have recently been in communication with the Board of Foreign Affairs with regard to an increase in the number of stations on the West River at which foreign steamers may call for passengers.
Having ascertained from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton that the China Association were correct in believing the Viceroy to be personally in favour of this measure, I invited Prince Ch'ing to telegraph to him the approval for which he seemed to be waiting, and, according to Prince Ching's letter, of which translation is inclosed, this has been done, the Viceroy being directed to come to an arrangement locally with the Consuls.
The Viceroy had expressed his willingness to allow steamers to call at all places on the West River to land or embark passengers, but this was opposed by the Commissioner of Customs, no doubt acting under instructions from Sir Robert Hart, who has been again consulted in the present instance, and has recommended that the passenger stations should be specified in advance.
Provided that a sufficient number are opened, I cannot think that the limitation of the right to call anywhere on the river will appreciably affect the interests of the steamer Companies.
I have informed Mr. Scott of the tenor of Prince Ching's reply, and have instructed him to try to come to an arrangement with the Viceroy.
I have, &c. (Signed)
ERNEST SATOW.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Prince Ch'ing to Sir E. Satow.
(Translation.) Your Excellency,
November 3, 1902.
ON the 22nd October I had the honour to receive your Excellency's letter with regard to the question of opening more stations on the West River at which foreign steamers could take up and land passengers.
A telegram had previously been received by this Board from the Viceroy at Canton, and on the 18th October the Inspector-General of Customs was directed to give the question his consideration.
The Inspector-General has now reported that the passenger traffic on the West River is not prejudicial to either Customs or li-kin interests, but that, in view of the recent outbreaks of piracy, the various passenger stations should be specified beforehand, so that suitable precautions could be taken in each place. The new Commercial Treaty not having yet been generally accepted, it could hardly be quoted in regard to this question, and all that could be done would be for the provincial Government to come to an agreement with the Consuls in the way of an arrangement determined upon locally.
I have therefore telegraphed in this sense to the Viceroy at Canton, and I have the honour to inform your Excellency accordingly.
I avail, &c.
[2326 4-3]
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Aovernment,
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
25
[December 22.]
SECTION 3.
(No. 337.) My Lord,
Sir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received December 22.)
Peking, November 6, 1902. IN response to a request from the China Association at Hong Kong, supported by his Excellency the Governor, I have recently been in communication with the Board of Foreign Affairs with regard to an increase in the number of stations on the West River at which foreign steamers may call for passengers.
Having ascertained from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton that the China Association were correct in believing the Viceroy to be personally in favour of this measure, I invited Prince Ch'ing to telegraph to him the approval for which he seemed to be waiting, and, according to Prince Ching's letter, of which translation is inclosed, this has been done, the Viceroy being directed to come to an arrangement locally with the Consuls.
The Viceroy had expressed his willingness to allow steamers to call at all places on the West River to land or embark passengers, but this was opposed by the Commissioner of Customs, no doubt acting under instructions from Sir Robert Hart, who has been again consulted in the present instance, and has recommended that the passenger stations should be specified in advance.
Provided that a sufficient number are opened, I cannot think that the limitation of the right to call anywhere on the river will appreciably affect the interests of the steamer Companies.
I have informed Mr. Scott of the tenor of Prince Ching's reply, and have instructed him to try to come to an arrangement with the Viceroy.
I have, &c. (Signed)
ERNEST SATOW.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Prince Ch'ing to Sir E. Satow.
(Translation.) Your Excellency,
November 3, 1902.
ON the 22nd October I had the honour to receive your Excellency's letter with regard to the question of opening more stations on the West River at which foreign steamers could take up and land passengers.
A telegram had previously been received by this Board from the Viceroy at Canton, and on the 18th October the Inspector-General of Customs was directed to give the question his consideration.
The Inspector-General has now reported that the passenger traffic on the West River is not prejudicial to either Customs or li-kin interests, but that, in view of the recent outbreaks of piracy, the various passenger stations should be specified beforehand, so that suitable precautions could be taken in each place. The new Commercial Treaty not having yet been generally accepted, it could hardly be quoted in regard to this question, and all that could be done would be for the provincial Government to come to an agreement with the Consuls in the way of an arrangement determined upon locally.
I have therefore telegraphed in this sense to the Viceroy at Canton, and I have the honour to inform your Excellency accordingly.
I avail, &c.
[2326 4-3]
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