In the opinion of the Committee, it is very undesirable that British representatives should act as commercial Agents, or render assistance in furtherance of any enterprise beyond that which their instructions require of them, but they should be directed to use all justifiable means to aid the trader in securing all right and privileges to which he is entitled by Treaty.
The Committee consider that Consuls should be instructed to give especial and prompt attention to complaints with regard to obstructions to trade by Chinese Officials, whether by extra duties or otherwise, and unauthorised regulations instituted at Barrier in the interior or affecting the trade by River steamers, against which no time should be lost by the Consul in protesting and suggesting a prompt remedy for the evil.
If Consuls possess any information concerning a product of China, or of a possible new opening for trade, they should communicate it to the nearest Chamber of Commerce, or body of Merchants. On the other hand, merchants and others obtaining trade information likely to be useful to British manufacturers should be requested to advise their Consul of the fact, with a view to inclusion in his next Consular report.
Whenever information is obtained showing that the Consul of another Power is using his influence to secure any contract for his countrymen, British Consul should be authorised to extend assistance on behalf of British subjects competing for such contract, but the Committee of the Chamber do not think it desirable that Consular Officers should be detailed for service with, or Consular influence used to secure...