1.*
Mr. Bax-Ironside to the Marquess of Salisbury.
(No. 198. Confidential.) My Lord,
(Received August 21.)
508
Peking, July 6, 1899. WITH reference to my despatch, Confidential, No. 140, of the 26th May last, I have the honour to state that on the 23rd ultimo I received a telegram from your Lordship instructing me to inform the Chinese Government that, in consideration of expenditure incurred owing to opposition on the part of the Chinese to our occupation of the leased territory, Her Majesty's Government required payment of the sum of 150,000 dollars.
Your Lordship at the same time instructed me to intimate to the Chinese Government, that provided satisfaction were given to us in other matters, Her Majesty's Government might be disposed to forego payment of this sum either in whole or in part.