On 9 occasions, when appealed to for redress of local wrong, I have been prepared to exercise that authority.
These observations will, I trust, enable you to reassure the Govt of Pekine as to the friendly feelings entertained towards it by the British Govt. It rests with the Central Govt to order its intercourse with Great Britain & the Queen's subjects, so as to avoid cause of difference, and to preserve unimpaired the friendship of this country.
I have only to add that all British Agents in China have been instructed to act in the spirit & with the objects which I have thus explained to you generally, and to caution British subjects to pay due respect not only to the laws of the Empire, but, as far as may be, to the usages & feelings of the Chinese people.
I have [signed] Clarendon,