No. 186.
Mr. Blaine
to Mr. Holcombe.
Washington, December 10, 1881.
Sir: Adverting to previous correspondence respecting the concession to the Great Northern Telegraph Company by the Government of China, I have now to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Angell’s No. 201, of August 18, last, further relating to the telegraph monopoly scheme.
Mr. Angell’s course in the matter is approved, and, in the judgment of the Department, the time has arrived when the Chinese Government should be asked to give more emphatic and distinct definition touching that concession, and to state upon what terms and conditions China will, in future, grant permission to American companies to lay cables. Admitting it to be a hypothetical question, as inferred from Prince Kung’s reply to Mr. Angell, which he inclosed, inasmuch as such companies are not yet formed, still the United States is anxious to know whether the proposed contract with the Great Northern Company is intended [Page 318] to be an exclusive monopoly for all times, or, if not, its precise nature.
This government would certainly view, in an unfriendly light, any act of the Chinese Government which precluded our people from an equal participation with the citizens or subjects of any other friendly power, in such enterprises, mutually beneficial to the interests of both countries. We would greatly regret to see China bestow upon any corporation these exclusive privileges. I deem it but just to say that such a policy would not only be in direct opposition to her own interest, but strongly in contrast to that more liberal spirit which should animate and control the Chinese Government in its intercourse with foreigners.
You will present the subject to that government and report the result of your application to the Department, for its information.
I am, &c.,