44
J. L. CRANMER-BYNG
Your servants will now discuss the situation today. The cross-fire of the "long-haired" and the Nien rebels is like a disease of the heart or of the stomach [i.e., the vitals]. Russia, with her territory adjacent to ours, aims to eat away our land like a silkworm and may be likened to a danger to our elbows and arms [i.e., a close danger]. England's aim is trade, but she acts violently without regard for human principles. If we do not impose a limit on her then we shall be unable to stand on our own [i.e., lose our independence of action]. This would be like an affliction of the limbs. Therefore, first we should destroy the "long-haired" and Nien rebels, next get Russia under control, and then control England. All we can do is to try unobtrusively to blunt the impact of their ruthless onslaught, and not try suddenly to overawe by punishing them. If Heaven relents at our calamity and the rebels abate then through Your Majesty's sacred wisdom and your servants exerting their simple efforts there must be some improvement in the situation.
If we follow our present plan and act in accordance with the terms of the treaties and do not let the barbarians exceed them in the slightest, if on the surface we show sincerity and friendship while secretly carrying out a "loose rein" policy, then, in a few years, even if they make random demands still they will not suddenly cause us any great harm. After very careful deliberation on the whole situation we have proposed six regulations, which are respectfully submitted for the imperial glance. We request that instructions be sent to the princes and great officials at the travelling headquarters (hsing ying) for their joint deliberation. If it receives the imperial approbation your servants will act in obedience to it. As to the remaining trivial matters some of which may require adjustments, at the appropriate time your servants will again memorialize.
Vermillion endorsement:
Let Prince Hui, the prince-ministers in charge of the travelling headquarters, ministers of the imperial presence and grand councillors, make proper deliberations without delay and memorialize. The memorandum is attached.
1.
[Here follows the Six-Point Memorandum].
We request that an office for the general management of the affairs of the various countries be established at the capital with sole responsibility for these matters. We note that previously matters