§ 15. Mr. STEWARTasked what the position is at Canton at the present time; whether hostilities between the Chinese still exist or have been suspended; whether, owing to the fighting, considerable quantities of goods have been brought on to the British concession of Shameen and in many instances stored in German godowns; whether the high rents charged for this accommodation have been pocketed by the Germans; whether the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank is still working on our concession; and why, in view of legislation at home against any enemy trading, the British Government permits this profitable business to be carried on upon its own concession for the benefit of German firms?
§ Lord R. CECILWe have not received any recent information regarding the situation at Canton, but, as far as we know, hostilities have been suspended since the arrival of a new Civil Governor who was appointed by the Central Government. No report has been received with regard to the storage of goods in the British concession. It is a fact that the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank is still working in our concession, but concessions in China are not in all respects the same as British territory, and neither British, German, nor other belligerent companies have been expelled from any of them.