Aberdeen's letter to the British Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China.
for.
angry
being maintained by reference to treaty engagements. Nothing must be so strictly guarded against as affording the Chinese Authorities opportunity for withholding acquiescence in any demands which you may address to them; but by allowing them to see that on some occasions they may concede compliance with your wishes without calling forth such strong remonstrance as would be justified in doing while protecting against the infringement of Treaty engagements, they may be encouraged to pursue on
the same course in violation of those engagements,
discussion. and thereby give occasion to violent and
The next point to which I will allude in the feeling of H.M's Govt with regard to the intercourse
to the intercourse of other nations with China. On this I have only to say that H.M's Govt have no other wish than that all the Nations of the world should have equal access with themselves to the great mart which the Chinese success of H.M's Arms has opened to them. The more China is brought within the pale of European civilization, the more extensive will be the benefits which will accrue to British Interests; and H.M's Govt have therefore peculiar satisfaction in the stipulation, so wisely inserted by Sr. H. Pottinger,
in the Supplementary treaty, by which the privileges secured to British Trade are extended to the Trade of all other nations.
Finally as regards the position in which, as H.M's Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China, you stand towards the Governor General of India, I have to acquaint you that it is not intended that H.E. should have any greater degree of control over you than would result from the respectful attention with which you would naturally consider the wishes of an
important Functionary
in whom so great a trust as this administration of the British Empire in India is vested. you will of course keep the Indian Govt informed upon all matters of general interest, and you
will communicate freely with it on questions more peculiarly bearing upon the Trade which is carried on between India and China.
I am &c.
(signed) Aberdeen