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from the Wai Chiao Pu to go on board a British warship
anchored at Whampoa and render an explanation.
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With regard to the demand for indemnity according to
the statement of the Captain of the "Lungshan" and others
the damage consists only of the metal work having been
scarred and a beam (or beams) splintered; the damage is
therefore very small and perhaps it might be as well for the investigation by two (or more) officers one deputed from each party".
I have the honour to point out that as soon as an officer
sent from your Consulate reported the affair I immediately
discussed with the military authorities concerned a method
of dealing with it and at once wrote to you. It is believed
that you clearly understood that this Ministry was handling the matter with the greatest promptitude and sincefirty but
suddenly without waiting for a full investigation you quickly submitted demands and with threatening language fixed a time- limit in a manner contrary to international practice. It
is hoped for the sake of friendship that in future such conduct will not be repeated.
I have etc.