6. Due to the circumstances, we cannot but have a very serious effect upon the future of our trade with China, and we have therefore considered it imperative to telegraph to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs protesting against this decision and requesting that the instructions sent to His Majesty's representative in China be suspended pending receipt of our written protest.
The trade between the Colony of Hong Kong and the upper sections of the West River has been opened up and developed chiefly by the enterprise of these British Steamship Companies who have expended a very large sum in promoting this business.
Trade increased and it was evident that it would in time prove highly remunerative, benefiting alike the Chinese and this Colony.
The attack on the S.S. "Sainan" has, however, seriously affected the business of the new line and has unquestionably checked its prosperity. Under these circumstances, this Committee considers the owners are entitled to compensation and that the amount asked for, namely $150,000, is not excessive.
From many years' experience of China, we hold the opinion, which has in the past been repeatedly expressed by our predecessors, that the high Provincial Authorities are quite competent to maintain order in the provinces of the Two Kwangs should they seriously desire to do so.
If, through their supineness or tacit approval, they allow attacks to be made on British property or British subjects who by Treaty are entitled to protection, we are strongly of opinion that it is the officials who should be held directly responsible for the mischief caused and that the cutting off of a few heads and the payment of a small indemnity are not of themselves sufficient punishment for the outrage.
The sum asked by the owners of the steamer for consequential damages is not so much required as a money payment for loss sustained, as to demonstrate to the high Chinese officials that full reparation must be made for the slight thus put upon the British Flag.
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cannot but have a very serious effect upon the future of our trade
with China, and we have therefore considered it imperative to tele-
erach to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs protesting
against this decision and requesting that the instructions sent to
his Majesty's representative in China be suspendei peniing receipt
of our written protest.
The trale between the Colony of mongkong and the upper
sections of the test river has been opened up and developed chiefly
by the enterprise of these British Steamship Companies who have
expended a very large sum in promoting this business.
Traje increased and it was evident that it would in time
prove highly remunerative, benefitting alike the Chinese and this
Colony.
The attack on the S.S. "Sainan" has however seriousi,
affected the business of the new line and has unquestionably checked
Its prosperity. Under these circumstances this Committee consilers
the owners are entitini lo compensation and that the amount askel for
nanely $150,000 is not excessive.
From many years experience of China we hold the opinion,
which has in the past been repcatelly expressed by our predecessors,
that the high Provincial Authorities are quite competent to maintain
order in the provinces of the fac Kwangs should they seriously desire
to do so.
If through their supineness or troit approval they allow
attacks to be made on British property or Eritish; subjects who by
Treaty are entitled to protection we are strongly of opinion that it
is the officials who should be hoid directly responsible for the
mischief caused and that the cutting off of a few heals and the paym
ment of a smail infomnity are not of themselves sufficient punishment
for the outrage.
The sur asked by the owners of the steaner for conse-
quential damages is not so much required as a money payment for loss
sustained, as to demonstrate to the high Chinese officials that full
reparation must be made for the slight thus put upon the British
TO APIC # Jnowgun V JA MARJONTA
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