CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 41

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There are some telegraphic communication, no reliable information is obtainable. American missionaries there, and the China Inland Mission have stations in the surrounding district.

I have, &c. (Signed)

HERBERT GOFFE,

Inclosure 7 in No. 1.

[This Document is the rroperty of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL

[45291]

No. 1.

[December 28.]

SECTION 1.

Sir,

Captain Nugent to Consul Goffe.

"Flora," at Anking, November 23, 1908. I HAVE the honour to inform you that all is now quiet inside Anking city; the rebel troops are being hunted down and dispersed, many of them being killed.

Two thousand five hundred Nanking troops have arrived and are encamped along the river bank under the guns of the Chinese cruisers. It is reported that they have very little ammunition.

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2. The following is the account of the revolt of the Anhui brigade of troops :- The revolt began in a cavalry regiment, who were encamped on the river bank close to the East Fort. They badly wounded their Colonel and Major. They then induced the artillery and infantry regiments to join in. Nearly all the senior officers were killed or wounded, but a Captain was found to lead them.

The Governor with Pekingese troops engaged the rebels without much success during the night.

The corvette "Pao-Ming" opened fire on East Fort and the cavalry camp with 47-inch guns, and dispersed them during the forenoon of the 20th November.

The Governor closed the city gates and posted his Pekingese troops on the walls-- they only numbered about 200, however.

The rebels hung round the north side of the city until the 22nd November, when they took to the hills on the arrival of the Nanking troops. They are being vigorously followed up, dispersed, and killed.

3. If the Nanking troops, who are now ordered to remain here for the present prove, loyal, there will probably be an end of all trouble, but it all depends on the news received from Peking.

4. The city gates were opened for three hours to-day. My telegraphic address is now Kiukiang. Viceroy of Nanking is still here, but says he is leaving to-night.

I am,

&c.

(Signed)

ROWLAND NUGENT.

Sir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald.

(No. 310.) Sir,

Foreign Office, December 28, 1908. THE Japanese Chargé d'Affaires told me on the 21st instant that his Government had at first deferred the intended withdrawal of their troops from North China owing to the death of the Emperor and the Dowager-Empress. But as this crisis had passed over quietly, they were now proceeding with the withdrawal of some of their troops.

I told him that we understood the withdrawal of the troops was one of the questions which Tong-Shao-yi would discuss with us when he came here next April. I should therefore not do anything before then.

The Chargé d'Affaires informed me that the increase of the Chinese Customs dues would be one of the matters which Tong-Shao-yi intended to discuss.

1 am, (Signed)

[2049 ee-

-1]

&c.

E. GREY.

Sir,

Inclosure 8 in No. 1.

Captain Nugent to Consul Goffe.

"Flora," at Anking, November 24, 1908.

I HAVE the honour to inform you that everything is now quiet at Anking, and in the vicinity.

2. The Viceroy of Nanking left down-river at midnight last night in the gun-boat

"Kiang Ting."

3. All the Attachés have arrived here in house-boats.

4. The city gates are still closed, except for two hours in the afternoon. Three

thousand Nanking troops are here, and more are arriving.

5. I am leaving here for Kiukiang at 60 a.m. the 26th instant; leaving His Majesty's ship "Britomart" here. I will remain for a few days, and then come down river, and will call at Wuhu, if time permits.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

ROWLAND NUGENT

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