[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[45746]
No. 1.
[December 19.]
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received December 19.)
(No. 204.) (Telegraphic.) P. SENATE.
Peking, December 19, 1910.
Prince Ching and his colleagues of the Grand Council have tendered their resignation. This unusual step has been taken in consequence of a memorial having been submitted to the throne by the Senate suggesting a clearer definition of the Grand Council's duties and pointing out that boily's ineficiency. The throne has addressed a peremptory warning against presuming to dietate in matters where the Sovereign's prerogative alone is concerned, such as the duties and appointments of officials, and has refused to accept the council's resignation.
The Government would appear to have decided to try conclusions with the Senate. Much popular opposition would be provoked and a crisis might possibly result were such an extreme measure as the dissolution of the Senate resorted to. But I gathered in recent conversations I have had with Na Tung and Prince Ch'ing that the possibility of such a step was under consideration.
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