6
maintenance of peace is only a pretence, and within a few years serious trouble is certain.
The "Eastern Times" of the 21st March, in a leading article on China's peril, considers her great misfortune to be want of men and money, and is inclined to regret the death of Kang-yi, Chao Shu-ch'in, and Li Ping-neng, who, for all their conservatism, at least had some compunction for the people's pockets and some desire to use men of ability. The old examination system was far from perfect, but the examiners were free from despotism. Until the reforms started, the Empire's revenue and expenditure balanced, and the people could save, instead of every penny made going to greedy runners, China was degenerate, but not quite ruined. Of course, reforms are essential, but they should not be shams, which make the future prospects worse. The writer would not degrade his pen by lamenting the Boxer chiefs, but he must in honesty point out where they excelled the present Governors.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
[B]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[19777]
No. 1.
Mr. Bryce to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 9.)
798
23756
RECO
Per 1 JUL 08
[June 9.]
SECTION 4.
(No. 190.) Sir,
Washington, May 29, 1908. WITH reference to your despatch No. 108 of the 30th ultimo, I have the honour to report that in the course of a conversation yesterday with Mr. Howard, the Assistant Secretary of State inquired whether His Majesty's Government had yet decided to take any definite line in respect of the Russian claims to administrative rights and powers in the railway area at Harbin. On Mr. Howard's replying that he was not aware of any decision taken on the part of His Majesty's Government, Mr. Bacon went on to say that the Secretary of State had instructed the American Ambassador in London to make similar inquiries. Mr. Bacon added that he believed the Russians and Japanese were now acting together in an endeavour to obtain the consent of the various Great Powers to the rights claimed by Russia at Harbin, with the obvious intention of extending them all the way down the line to Port Arthur. The results of such a concession to Russia and Japan in Manchuria could not but be very serious, both as regards the "open door" and the integrity of the Chinese Empire. Great Britain's interests would be gravely menaced in that country, and she could do more than any other Power to prevent this recognition of Russian and Japanese claims. Why should not the British Government appoint a Consul at Harbin?-he asked. That would go far to help to settle the matter.
Austria had, he believed, already signified her consent.
I have reported this conversation as a sign that the United States' Government is apparently becoming seriously uneasy over the situation at Harbin and Manchuria generally, and is probably anxious for British support in that quarter. It may be worth adding that I have recently heard from more than one unofficial source that there exists among both British and American residents in Manchuria great disquiet at the policy followed by Russia and Japan, and in particular at what they consider the persistent efforts of Japan to secure a control over Southern Manchuria, which will gravely prejudice the interests of British trade.
I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES BRYCE.
[1819 i-4]
6
maintenance of peace is only a pretence, and within a few years serious trouble is certain.
The "Eastern Times" of the 21st March, in a leading article on China's peril, considers her great misfortune to be want of men and money, and is inclined to regret the death of Kang-yi, Chao Shu-ch'in, and Li Ping-neng, who, for all their conservatism, at least had some compunction for the people's pockets and some desire to use men of ability. The old examination system was far from perfect, but the examiners were free from despotism. Until the reforms started, the Empire's revenue and expenditure balanced, and the people could save, instead of every penny made going to greedy runners, China was degenerate, but not quite ruined. Of course, reforms are essential, but they should not be shams, which make the future prospects worse. The writer would not degrade his pen by lamenting the Boxer chiefs, but he must in honesty point out where they excelled the present Governors.
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government)
[B]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[19777]
No. 1.
Mr. Bryce to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 9.)
798
23756
RECO
Per 1 JUL 08
[June 9.]
SECTION 4.
(No. 190.) Sir,
Washington, May 29, 1908. WITH reference to your despatch No. 108 of the 30th ultimo, I have the honour to report that in the course of a conversation yesterday with Mr. Howard, the Assistant Secretary of State inquired whether His Majesty's Government had yet decided to take any definite line in respect of the Russian claims to administrative rights and powers in the railway area at Harbin. On Mr. Howard's replying that he was not aware of any decision taken on the part of His Majesty's Government, Mr. Bacon went on to say that the Secretary of State had instructed the American Ambassador in London to make similar inquiries. Mr. Bacon added that he believed the Russians and Japanese were now acting together in an endeavour to obtain the consent of the various Great Powers to the rights claimed by Russia at Harbin, with the obvious intention of extending them all the way down the line to Port Arthur. The results of such a Austria had, he believed, already signified her consent. concession to Russia and Japan in Manchuria could not but be very serious, both as regards the " open door "and the integrity of the Chinese Empire. Great Britain's interests would be gravely menaced in that country, and she could do more than any Why other Power to prevent this recognition of Russian and Japanese claims. should not the British Government appoint a Consul at Harbin ?-he asked. That would go far to help to settle the matter.
I have reported this conversation as a sign that the United States' Government is apparently becoming seriously uneasy over the situation at Harbin and Manchuria generally, and is probably anxious for British support in that quarter. It may be worth adding that I have recently heard from more than one unofficial source that there exists among both British and American residents in Manchuria great disquiet at the policy followed by Russia and Japan, and in particular at what they consider the persistent efforts of Japan to secure à control over Southern Manchuria, which will gravely prejudice the interests of British trade.
I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES BRYCE.
[1819 i-4]
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