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"The natives of China, although of a different race, have no need of official representation or assistance to secure for themselves a suitable field for the exercise of those qualities for which they are remarkable. It has always been my policy that the Chinese in Siam should have the same opportunity for labour and for profit as are possessed by my own subjects. I regard them not as foreigners, but as one of the component parts of the country, and sharing in its prosperity and advancement."
The King, much to Mr. Sir bel's gratification, approved the draft reply. That His Majesty felt himself strong enough to make this declaration, which is tantamount to a challenge to China to keep away from all interference with Siam, is of peculiar interest at the present time, on the eve of the arrival of the Commercial Mission. In view, however, of Prince Devawongse's sudden and wholly voluntary statement t› me, and the boldness of the new departure, I cannot refrain from the reflection that the King and the Siamese Government rely on the support and sympathy of His Majesty's Govern- ment in their new attitude towards China. I venture to submit that Chinese official representation in Bangkok would not only be an indirect blow at the independence and integrity of Siam, but a menace to British commercial interests. The efforts of the Siamese Government to prevent, such a consummation should therefore, I submit, receive every encouragement and support from His Majesty's Government.
I have, &c. (Signed)
P.S.-Copy to Peking and Singapore and India.
W. R. D. BECKETT.
W. R. D. B.
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дода
aware of what value have been the commercial ability of the Chinese merchants and the thrift and industry of the large number of Chinese workers who have immi- grated to this country. The natives of China, although of a different race, have had no need of official representation or assistance to secure for themselves a suitable field for the exercise of those qualities for which they are remarkable. It has always been my policy that the Chinese in Siam should have the same opportunity for labour and for profit as are possessed by my own subjects. I regard them not as foreigners, but as one of the component parts of the country, and sharing in its prosperity and advancement. Your presence on this occasion is therefore, as I have said, peculiarly gratifying to me as evidence of your appreciation of the results of the policy I have followed, and of the satisfactory conditions under which you live.
"I accept with pleasure the beautiful gift which you offer me as a memento, and I shall always regard its value as enhanced by the emphatic expression of the good wishes and congratulations with which it is accompanied.”
Inclosure in No. 1.
1
Newspaper Extract,
THE CHINESE ADDRESS.
HERE the King was handed an address from the Chinese efficial and commercial
community, of which the following is a translation:---
"To the King's Most Excellency Majesty,-
在
We, the Chinese mercantile community engaged in commerce and industry under
your Majesty's benevolent protection in this kingdom, erave permission to welcome and present our homage of profound respect to your most gracious Majesty.
"We have learned with great joy that on this foreign tour, which your Majesty undertook for the sake of health and to make the world better acquainted with the Siamese nation, your Majesty has been received by the Sovereigns and Chiefs and all classes in the States which you have visited with great cordiality and friendship.
Words fail us to give vent to our feelings at your Majesty's safe return and restoration to health, nor can we conceive of anything to testify adequately to the deep gratitude which we owe for the many blessings which we have derived from your Majesty. In the short time which has been afforded to us, we have conceived of a memento, which we now lay before your Majesty. It is a thing of no great value, and but poorly represents the measure of our thankfulness, but it is an object which we esteem, and which we humbly pray your Majesty to accept as a token of our heartfelt loyalty and veneration towards your Royal person. It is an artistic representation of the Trinity, Hok, Lok, and Siu, allegories of the three highest virtues, of which your Majesty possesses an abundance.
"If in the future we, who have come to live in this country under your Majesty's protection, shall occasionally revisit the country of our birth, we shall always cherish the grateful remembrance of your Majesty's great benevolence.
"We also earnestly pray on this occasion that all your Majesty's desires may be fully gratified, and that all the good wishes and blessings we invoke upon your Majesty may be completely fulfilled.'
His Majesty's written reply was as follows:--
"It is with a feeling of especial satisfaction that I receive the welcome of the representatives of the Chinese commercial community residing in my Kingdom, I am
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