ENCLOSURE FROM VICEROY 1G3 



Enolishnieu to enter Sze-clmen in a foreign boat while 

 the question of steam navigation is still under discus- 

 sion is a most rash proceeding. If at the present time, 

 when people and converts are mutually suspicious, the 

 people of Sze-chuen should assemble and stop them, and 

 trouble should arise, the local authorities would hardly 

 accept the blame of failing to afford efficient protection. 

 ' He had therefore reported for our instructions, and 

 we have replied, we would write for requisite orders 

 to be given. With regard to the question of steam 

 navigation to Chung-king, no decision has yet been 

 come to, although officers have been sent to Ichang 

 to confer with the Consul. The Sze-chuenese are now 

 suspicious and distrustful, and popular feeling is greatly 

 excited. Should they at the sight of a foreign boat 

 collect in a mob and interfere with it, grave trouble 

 would surely follow, for which the local authorities 

 could not be held to blame. We have the honour to 

 request, therefore, that it be stated in the passports of 

 all foreigners who shall hereafter enter Sze-chuen that 

 they must travel by land or hire native boats, and may 

 not any more bring trouble on themselves by attempt- 

 ing to use foreign boats. This is of the last importance, 

 and we have written to Tsung-li Yamen to notify to 

 H. B. Majesty's Minister to transmit the requisite in- 

 structions. We beg also that you will instruct the 



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