}
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
OPIUM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
265
C O 32743
[July 22.]
SECTION 2.
J
[26600]
Reas 25 OCT 10
No. 1
Mr. Marx Müller to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received July 22.)
(No. 125.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, July 22, 1910. OPIUM. With reference to your telegram No. 105 of the 21st instant and your despatch No. 211 of the 17th ultimo, which latter reached me on the 5th instant, I suggested on the 9th instant to the new Vice-President of the Wai-wu Pu, Mr. Hu Wei-te, that a delegate should be named to discuss with me conditions on which the agreement could be prolonged. I recommended as most suitable, Mr. Liu Yu-lin, who had the experience of service on the Shanghai Opium Commission. I was astonished to find that the new Vice-President did not lend a favourable ear to my suggestion, alleging that, as prolongation was provided for in the original agreement, there was no necessity for discussion. I pointed out that this was conditional on the fulfilment of China's side of the bargain, and observed that though I had in my report expressed the opinion that China had fulfilled her part, I had at the same time said that the absence of official proof was to be deplored, while in the note I had just handed to his Excellency I had actually mentioned the tour of I said that I had investigation at present being undertaken by Sir Alexander Hosie. been authorised to discuss any proposals of a practical nature kind which might be advanced by the Chinese Government and, while insisting on the condition that the wholesale trade in treaty ports should not be interfered with, to offer to China most liberal terms. The Vice-President would only undertake to refer the matter to the High Commissioner for suppression of opium, Prince Kung, and persisted in his attitude of suspicion. On the 19th instant, being still without a reply, I again mentioned the subject to Mr. Hu, and requested the favour of a reply without delay, as I desired to open negotiations before the 1st August, when I was to leave for Peitaiho.
[2812 y-2]
ov.