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so far as I was aware there had been any prior negotiations with China, and I admitted that I had not myself been fully aware of all the circumstances now disclosed. In reference to the pledge given I pointed out that new circumstances had arisen owing to Dr. Schultz's interviews with the Viceroy, and to the fact that I was not myself aware of various statements which he said he had made verbally to Mr. May.
11. I suggested that the German Minister in Peking should bring pressure to bear, and he then told me that this had already been done without effect. This transpired only at the end of the last interview, and naturally strengthened my disinclination to become a cat's-paw in the transaction. He hinted (somewhat ominously I thought) at the outcry which would take place in consequence of my refusal, on the part of the Germans in Samoa and added that many of the estates were in English hands. I said it made no difference at all to my decision whether they were English or German.
12. Meanwhile, in accordance with a promise made at a former interview, I had written to the British Consul-General at Canton informing him of the request made by the Germans and asking him to ascertain whether