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live
China to me and be accepted as Chinese,
free from the restrictions imposed by
Treaty on British subjects, and yet, as
soon as they get into difficulties they
appeal to the nearest Consul and claim
protection as British subjects. It has
occurred to me that if the Chinese
authorities raise objections to the
conclusion of an arrangement similar to
that with the Dutch, it might be possible
to adopt a new line of approach and to
insist only on the protection of those
British subjects who are undoubtedly
domiciled in British or British protected
territory, and who only visit China at
infrequent intervals and for short periods.
You will be better able to judge whether
an arrangement on these lines, if it were
practicable, would meet the essential
requirements of the various Governments,
and I shall be glad to receive your considered observations, both on this
point and on the question generally, in
due