360
During the early part of the present year, communications have passed between the Post Office and the London Chamber of Commerce on the subject, but without any definite result, and in April last a letter was received from Sir John Rondow, stating that, as there appeared to be some misunderstanding between Russia and China, and as circumstances had considerably changed since the negotiation of the Convention, he was of opinion that it would be better to let the matter remain in abeyance for the present.
In this view, the Post Office concurred, and Her Majesty's Minister in China was instructed accordingly on the 16th of April.
Under these circumstances, it is suggested, for Lord Knutsford's consideration, that the matter be allowed to rest for the present.