No. 75
Mr. Low
to Mr. Fish.
Peking, December 26, 1871. (Received February 27.)
Sir: Several weeks since Mr. C. D. Williams, an American merchant, visited Peking for the purpose of ascertaining if the port of Kiungchow, on the island of Hainan, could be availed of as a place for permanent residence and trade; if so, he proposed to establish a business there without delay. He further informed me that arrangements were about completed for placing a line of American steamers on the route between Canton, Hong-Kong, and Kiungchow, in case the latter port be opened. Mr. Williams brought with him letters from some of the largest American houses in Shanghai and Hong-Kong, expressing a strong desire that steps be taken immediately for the opening of that port officially, also a dispatch from the consul-general warmly indorsing the movement.
In the British and French treaties of 1858, and also that of Germany, Kiungchow is among the ports named for foreign residence and trade. Neither in the American nor Russian treaties is that port mentioned, although legally the right inures to us as fully through the “favored nation clause” as if the place was specially mentioned. I may add that neither power had availed itself of the treaty-right referred to up to 1869, when the British minister agreed in the convention concluded between himself and Prince Kung, to exchange Kiungchow for Wenchow, a port on the coast between Ningpo and Foochow. That convention, as you are aware, failed to receive the sanction of Her Majesty’s government. In view of the circumstances above mentioned, and the possible misconception of the Chinese government of the real status as it now is, it seemed the better policy to enlist the other treaty powers in the movement.
It seemed to me desirable that a declaration of all the governments represented here, of their intention to avail themselves of this treaty-right, be made simultaneously if possible. Such a combined movement would be likely to prevent further correspondence or discussion, and lead the government to make provision for the accommodation of trade and the safety of those who go there to reside, more speedily and effectively than if the demand were made by me alone. Upon consulting my colleagues, I found them all willing to join in making the declaration I desired.
On the 29th ultimo I sent an unofficial note to the foreign office, informing the ministers that American merchants were desirous of opening trade at Kiungchow, and saying that I should address myself to Prince Kung, officially, upon the same subject soon. On the 23d instant I sent a note to the prince, copy of which I have the honor to inclose. On the [Page 126] same day the representatives of England, France, Germany, and Russia sent notes of the same purport as mine.
No objection can legally or properly be made to our demand, and I apprehend there will be no delay in the formal opening of the port. It is of course impossible to say now how important the trade may become, but until its value is demonstrated by experience, it would not, in my opinion, be advisable to incur much expense in the way of a consular establishment.
I have, therefore, to recommend that Kiungchow be attached to the consular district of Canton, with a resident consular agent, to be named by the consul at Canton. I have already instructed Mr. Jewell to assume consular jurisdiction over Kiungchow until the pleasure of the Department is made known.
Trusting that my action as herein detailed may meet your sanction, I have, &c,