ENCLOSURE FROM VICEROY 163 
Englishmen to enter 8ze-chuen 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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