[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
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AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
RECE REGOR APR OF
CONFIDENTIAL.
[January 31.]
SECTION 1.
[4111]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 31.)
(No. 36.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, January 31, 1909. THE Portuguese proposals, as telegraphed by the Chinese Minister in London (see my telegram No. 35 of the 29th instant), have been accepted by the Chinese Govern- ment, who, I am informed by the Wai-wu Pu, are instructing their Representative in Portugal accordingly. They are at the same time informing the Portuguese Govern- ment of the appointment of Kao Erh Ch'ien as Chinese High Commissioner.
This official, who, in his capacity of Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in Yuman, has enjoyed considerable experience of boundary questions on the French frontier, speaks French, and is personally known to me as a former Councillor in the Wai-wu Pu. As regards official rank, his present post is classed as equal to but after that of Provincial Judge, and he wears a button of the first grade. I consider his appoint- ment satisfactory, bearing in mind how few high officials there are who have the proper qualifications for the post in question.
I am told by the Wai-wu Pu that, in view of the importance I attached to the Delimitation Commission being kept as far as possible free from local prejudice, they have refused to agree to the Canton Viceroy's request for the appointment of a second Commissioner in the person of some member of the Provincial Government.
[2116 kh-1]