I promise, if immediate satisfaction be given to stipulations requiring immediate satisfaction, to report case closed.
Please observe that opium will be hardly, if at all, more heavily taxed than at present, but smuggling will be stopped; also, that the indemnity will cover the expense to be incurred at the new inland stations for five years; also, that the new ports and places can be opened in six months from date of Decree. Limit of ports area and new opium regulation awaiting decision of Her Majesty's Government and other Governments.
Gain to the trade will be immense. Please approve generally, but order me home to explain.
No. 2.
Sir T. Wade to the Earl of Derby.-(Received September 26.)
(Telegraphic.)
Chefoo, September 14, 1876. WITH reference to my telegram of the 12th instant, I signed formal agreement with Li yesterday; and, as he has undertaken therein to give effect to the material conditions affecting trade in six months from the date of Imperial Decree accepting them, I have promised that, as soon as Prince Kung sends me all necessary papers, eleven in number, I will take the responsibility of reporting the case closed. I go to Peking on the 16th instant.
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