that the interests
Excused for believing of China will be advanced in a far greater degree than those of foreign nations, by steadily availing herself of the opportunities within her reach for applying to her Empire the skill & experience of the nations of Europe.
are, moreover,
at awe
But H.M's Govt entitled to expect from China an indispensable condition of their goodwill, the fullest amount of protection to British subjects resorting to her dominions. They are aware that the Provincial Governors are too often in the habit of disregarding
the rights of foreigners, trusting to impunity
in regards to the Central Govt of Pekin, due to the unwillingness of Foreign Powers to assert the rights of their subjects by local pressure.
H.M's Govt feel that they are acting in the interest of the Chinese Empire, when they announce their preference for appeal rather to the Central Govt than to local authorities, for the redress of wrongs done to British subjects. It is with the Central Govt
and not with the Provincial Authorities that Foreign Powers have entered into Treaties, and it is for the interest of the Central Govt that Foreign Powers should recognize its supreme authority
over its provincial Governors. Central Govt should assume and, on all
occasions