893.51/4481: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:50 p.m.]
422. My 417, December 22, 11 a.m. I have just seen telegram sent December 22 by senior consul, Canton, to dean of the diplomatic corps as follows:
“Following up letters of [to?] commissioner, Government have today published statement in English for the press. After rehearsing contents of the former it goes on to say that on December 12th diplomatic body having confidentially stated contention that they have no right to interfere in customs surplus, matter rests between this Government, Central Government and inspector general. Powers are not justified in sending ships to assist Peking. If order to commissioner be now [not?] obeyed Sun will appoint new officials to carry out the work. Point is raised that security for foreign obligations is revenue not buildings or other customs property. If new officials are installed therein powers have equally no right to interfere. Customs revenue outside Canton is more than ample to meet all obligations and change of officials cannot effect service thereof. Final point is that Boxer indemnity is punitive measure now out of date and practically abandoned in favor of Chinese interests.
[Page 578]In view of above consular body are of opinion that foreign men-of-war at present in port should remain.”
Commander of Yangtze patrol states that rumors along the river are to the effect that if Sun seizes Canton customs the military commanders along the Yangtze will seize customshouses within their reach.
Sir James Jamieson, British consul general and senior consul, Canton, long overdue for home leave, is leaving almost immediately and will be replaced by Bertram Giles, a very able official. This is a routine matter, but I am apprehensive that his departure coupled with departure of half British marine contingent (see my 419, December 24, 3 p.m.) and continued pressure on Hongkong Government may create impression that British Government is weakening.
[Paraphrase.] I have no reason at all to think this is the case but I very respectfully venture to suggest that it may be advisable for you to speak of this matter to the British Ambassador. You might make the observation to him that you hope the selfish interests of Hongkong will not be allowed to break the solidarity of the powers on this question of policy, probably the most important that has come up since the Conference at Washington. [End paraphrase.]