Ever since, Enlightened on the subject.
Then on Chat.
As regards the revision of the Chinese Treaties, it seems to me that the matter had better remain in abeyance until the French and Prussian forts are prepared in fact, conjointly with unanimity.
Difficulties have been experienced from the absence of identity in the existing Treaties, privileges having been accorded in one that did not appear in another, which it was inconvenient to claim under the favoured nation clause. It would have been better, therefore, considering the peculiar relations of Foreign Powers with China, if a distinct understanding could have been arrived at between the former as to what to demand from the latter before the existing Treaties were interfered with.
Moreover, I am inclined to think that in a year or two, we shall be in a better position to know, and the Chinese Government to be better prepared to entertain, what may be advantageous to all. As far as British Merchants are concerned, their opposition to the late convention removes any ground of complaint on their part regarding delay in revision.
I have before me Mr. Wade's despatch on the subject of the collection of duties on Opium by the Chinese Government at Hong Kong, but I gather its purport from the despatches of Sir Richard Macdonnell and Mr. E. C. B. Rennell. The purport of which appears to be that such an Establishment would exercise a detrimental influence upon the trade of the Colony and Macao.
I do not see that such a result would follow.
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