[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
2
agree with Sir E. Satow that it is not desirable to approach the Chinese Govern- ment regarding the removal of the existing prohibition against the passage of Yunnan opium through Burmah to China in bond. It is added that it is the view of Lord Curzon's Government that the scheme proposed with this object should be definitely abandoned.
2. I feel some hesitation in subscribing to this opinion without further discussion of a proposal which has been urged on the grounds of its important commercial and political advantages. I have been somewhat impressed by the arguments in favour of the scheme, which has been put forward by the Government of Burmah and by Mr. Consul Litton, some of which received the support of the Government of India in their despatch dated the 5th January, 1905; and if it is admitted that there can be no large increase in the trade between Burmah and Yunnan, unless a passage is given through Burmah to Yünnan's chief article of export, it seems to me that it would be a matter for regret if we were hastily to abandon further action without at least some effort to ascertain the views of the Chinese Government on the subject.
3. I observe that the only new argument put forward by Sir E. Satow in bis telegram dated the 13th May last, is that it will scarcely be possible to persuade the Chinese Government to accept the scheme without the use of pressure. I entirely concur with
your predecessor's Government that no pressure should be employed to obtam the Chinese Government's consent. But the circumstances have so far changed since Sir E. Satow's telegram was sent, that it has been reported by Mr. Litton that the Chinese merchants interested in the trade have themselves petitioned the Peking Government for the removal of the restrictions on the export of opium to Burmah. This fact, it seems to me, affords au opportunity for sounding the Chinese Govern- ment on the matter. It would be possible, for example, to let the Chinese Govern- ment know that we are aware of this petition, and to hint that, so far as the transit of opium through Burmah is concerned, the British Government might not be unwilling to waive the Treaty stipulations against its export if the Chinese Government attach importance to the concession in the interests of their trade. I shall be glad to be informed whether, on reconsideration, your Excellency's Government would have any objection to instructions in this sense being given to Sir E. Satow.
4. I would observe that this matter derives additional importance from the fact that a proposal is now under consideration for the construction of a light railway from Bhamo to Tengyueh. The object of that proposal is to enable Indian merchants to retain a considerable share of the Yunnan trade even when the French railway has been completed to Yünuan-fu. And if the construction of the line should prove to be feasible any scheme that promises to improve the traffic upon it is deserving of consideration.
I have, &e.
SOUTH-WEST CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[December 23.]
SECTION 1.
Consul-General Wilkinson to the Marquess of Lansdowne. (Received December 23.)
(No. 33.)
Yunnan-fu, November 6, 1905, My Lord,
REFERRING to my despatch No. 12 of the 18th May last, I have the honour to inclose copy of a further despatch to the Government of Burmah regarding the detailed survey for the projected light railway between Bhamo and Tongyueh.
I have, &c. (Signed)
(No. 54.) Sir,
Inclosure in No. 1.
W. H. WILKINSON.
Consul-General Wilkinson to the Government of Burmah.
Yünnun-fu, November 4, 1905. I RECEIVED on the following day your telegram of the 31st October, informing me that a staff has been selected for the detailed survey of the proposed Bhamo- Tengyueh light railway, and that operations will commence shortly.
The telegram, being en clair, was at once translated into Chinese by the Chinese clerk at the telegraph office, who acts as English interpreter to the Governor-General ; it is probable, indeed, that his Excellency was made acquainted with its contents before it came into my hands. This being the case, I myself prepared, the same morning, a Chinese rendering of the message, and sent it informally to the Governor- General, requesting that I might be permitted to see a copy of the instructions which would doubtless be issued to the Tautai at Tengyueh to assist the British surveyors.
I received, yesterday, a copy of these instructions, telegraphed by the Department of Foreign Affairs to Knan Taotai on the 1st November by order of the Governor- General. After quoting textually my translation of your telegram, the message proceeds :----
"The Governor-General observes that the Government of Burmah detached last year [sic] Engineer Lilley, and Shih, the late Intendant, deputed officers (or, an officer) to co-operate in his survey. Burmah is now again sending engineers for the detailed survey. At whatever time they may come to Tengyueh (sub-prefecture) the Taotai, observing the above precedent, should afford them protection, and should depute officers (or, au officer) to co-operate in the survey. As to the arrangements discussed, he should promptly reply by telegram, so as to enable the Governor-General to consult with the Boards of Foreign Affairs and Commerce. This is of importance. Strict attention should be paid, and report made to the Department."
I accordingly telegraphed to you yesterday, in code, informing you that the Taotai at Tengyuch had been instructed by telegram to protect the railway engineers, sending a deputy as before. I added that the Taotai had been directed to report by telegrani the arrangements made, so as to enable the Governor-General to consult with the Boards at Peking.
The 'Arrangements made " should have been rather " arrangements discussed." Chinese term is somewhat vague; it may refer to proposals of your Government to be discussed with the Taotai, or to suggestions of the Taotai in council, so to speak, on the action that should be followed. Practically, I take it, the Governor-General raises no objections to the detailed survey, but will have to consult with the Boards at Peking before he can acquiesce in the actual construction of a railway.
presume
survey, I From the fact that a staff has been appointed for the detailed that the Government of India has decided that, unless some grave obstacles are disclosed, the railway should be built. I have not, however, received as yet any instructions to arrive at an agreement with this Provincial Government, who would in any case require the assent of the Central Government at Peking before negotiating.
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