2
sufficient to enable me to answer the inquiry of His Majesty's Government as to the nature of the scheme proposed to the Chinese Government and opposed by the three Viceroys named.
I do not know whether your Highness will be willing to communicate to me these details, but I trust that in view of the strong objections entertained by His Majesty's Government to such a monopoly, you will have no hesitation in giving me, for communication to them, an assurance that no such proposal will be accepted without previously acquainting the British Government with its nature and terms.
I avail, &c. (Signed) ERNEST SATOW.
Confidential.
The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to the Under-Secretary of State, and is directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to transmit, to be laid before the Secretary of State for further section of confidential the Colonies Dina Izade correspondence, as marked in the margin.
Foreign Office, January 27, 1902
17