CONFIDENTIAL.
16762.
440
Mr. Box-Ironside to the Marquess of Salisbury.-(Received June 27, 10 P.M.)
(No. 195.)
(Telegraphic.)
YOUR telegram No. 122.
Peking, June 27, 1899, 8:40 P.M.
On 24th I made in writing demand for payment of indemnity. At an interview to-day I conveyed the intimation as instructed by your Lordship.
Ministers informed me that they could not admit the claim, and would answer by note accordingly. They claimed that affairs of Northern Railway were being gradually brought to a satisfactory state, and that there would be no default of interest by the end of half-year. Railway accounts were also being dealt with in a manner more satisfactory to foreign Accountant. They maintained a firm attitude as regards dismissal of Governor of Kueichow.
Their Excellencies were anxious to know whether our troops would be withdrawn from Samchun and Kowloon City in the event of indemnity being settled.
I informed Ministers that I considered their reception of your Lordship's demand to be highly unsatisfactory, and I reminded them of the action of Her Majesty's Government in 1895 regarding dismissal of Viceroy of Szechuen.
At their urgent request, I promised to submit their views to your Lordship.
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