A
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[4088]
No. 1.
545
[February 4.1 0.
SECTION
$2550 REC (REG: 28 PK 10
Mr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 4.)
(No. 20.) (Telegraphic.) P.
CUSTOMS succession.
Peking, February 4, 1910. In pursuance of the instructions conveyed in your telegram No. 19 of the 2nd instant, I had an interview with Liang Tun-yen this morning, and told him that His Majesty's Government expected the Chinese pledge of February 1908 to be now Julfilled.
He assured me that his Government were prepared to act upon their promise, but bad hitherto been expecting Sir Robert Hart to return to China. They had heard nothing of Sir Robert Hart's present illness, and they would have to enquire of their Minister in London. This would be done by telegraph, and was merely a matter of form.
He said that Sir Robert Hart's personal objection to Mr. Hippisley would prevent the Chinese Government from appointing the latter. He would not tell me who the Chinese candidate was, but thought he could assure me that the nominee would prove acceptable to His Majesty's Government.
I mentioned the reported intention of appointing Sir Robert Bredon to a post on the Board of Revenue (please see your telegrain No. 168 of the 9th October, 1909). Liang denied all knowledge of such a proposal.
He will see me again shortly with regard to this question.
[2633 d-1]