[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
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(No. 398.) Sir,
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Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Mar Müller.
[November 11.]
SECTION 3.
Foreign Office, November 11, 1910. I HAVE received your despatch No. 367 of the 14th ultimo, reporting the appointment for the province of Chi-li of a Commissioner of Foreign Affairs.
I concur in your view that His Majesty's Government would not in principle be justified in refusing to accept this official as an intermediary between His Majesty's consul officers and the provincial Government, provided that the right of direct communication with the higher officials was maintained in regard to all matters which the consular officer considered of sufficient importance to warrant it; and I approve your proposal not to raise yourself the question, and, should it be broached by others, to adopt the attitude indicated in your despatch.
I am, &c.
E. GREY.
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