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protection. He suggests that if there is any real
doubt on the subject, the British delegates might be
instructed to make a reservation to the above effect,
but he considers (and Sir E. Grey agrees) that the
insertion of such a reservation should, if possible, be
avoided.
It appears that all of the States represented at
the Conference, with the exception of Portugal, who is
unwilling to make any concession likely to injure the
trade of Macao, have agreed to the proposed resolution,
and it would be regrettable if His Majesty's Government
were obliged to associate themselves with Portugal alone
in this respect.
As it is anticipated that it may be possible to
terminate the labours of the Conference at the end of
this week, Sir E. Grey would be glad to be placed in a
position to send telegraphic instructions to the
delegates in regard to the proposed resolution at an
early date.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Wangly