When it was resolved that the Committee of the Chamber be instructed to address the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in reference to this subject.
In respectfully submitting this question for the consideration of your Lordship, I have the honor to express the opinion of the Committee that the practical effect of this change is very prejudicial to the interests of the mercantile community, for the Committee believe that by granting direct communication with Her Britannic Majesty's Government the interests of merchants are best served.
No reason was given. The letter before quoted assigned a reason for this departure from the established practice of holding direct communication with Her Majesty's Minister at Peking, which had been in force for many years.