[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
339
[June 14.]
о
SECTION 4.
19354
SEP OF
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.~(Received June 14.)
[22333]
(No. 106. Confidential.)
CUSTOMS succession.
(Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, June 14, 1909.
In reply to your telegram No. 107 of the 11th instant, I should say that existing circumstances are not favourable towards taking any action here with any hope of a decisive result, but we ought nevertheless to do our utmost with a view to materialising the promise given to us in 1908. I would therefore suggest for your consideration that our best plan would be to make a final appeal to the good offices of Sir Robert Hart for help in settling the question.
Should this course commend itself to you, it might be well to show Sir Robert Hart the memorandum of the 19th February, 1908, and to tell him that the moment has arrived when we must ask the Chinese to carry out their promise. I observe from your despatch No. 116 of the 28th April that Sir Robert Hart realises now that he could not again secure either the acting or the substantive appointment for Sir Robert Bredon. I believe that the Chinese share our views as to Bredon's unfitness, and the problem consequently resolves itself into deciding whether the new inspector general is to be taken from the ranks of the Customs service or from outside. In the opinion of the present inspector general, whose views merit the greatest consideration, the latter appointment would cause intense dissatisfaction to the members of the service, and ought therefore to be obviated. In these circumstances Sir Robert Hart might be asked to consider the interests of the Customs service, and to recommend one of his subordinates to the Chinese Government. His nominee might be given the temporary post of acting inspector general pending his appointment to the substantive rank on the retirement of Sir Robert Hart. The most suitable man is probably Mr. Oliver, whose name has already been mentioned by Sir Robert, and who would certainly be given the post by the Chinese if only the inspector general would exert his influence on that gentleman's behalf.
If left to themselves the Chinese Government would in all probability appoint Sir Walter Hillier.
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