referred there. I expressed my surprise at this
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announcement to which I strongly objected.
negotiations had been transferred to Peking after
long and fruitless discussions in Canton, and the
'hinese Goverment had on several occasions stated
His
that they would appoint a negotiator here.
Majesty's Government had been informed of this
arrangement and they would regard the present pro-
posal as a breach of faith. I added that I always
wished to conduct all business with the Wai Vu Pu
in an amicable manner, but that if this proposal were
persisted in, I should be placed in a very awkward
position.
Fr. T'ong said that the difficulty had arisen
owing to a misunderstanding as to the terms of the
transference of the negotiations from Canton to
Peking.
According to a telegram received from the
Viceroy Mr. Bland had approved certain bases which
had been put before him and had said that he would
negotiate on them at Peking. Mr. Bland on the other
hand averred that what he had approved was the
transference