- 55
Chinese Government servant to hold conversations with
the rebellious South (Peking telegram to Foreign
Office No.190 of 27th January), and in the evening
of the same day Dr. Wellington Koo in a long after
dinner conversation with Sir H. Lampson confirmed the
statement that Marshal Chang did really mean to dis-
miss Sir F. Aglen. He added that Marshal Chang was
not a man to be easily turned from his purpose and
that the Inspector General had no business to leave
Peking just at the time of Chinese New Year, when it
was his duty to help his masters, the Peking Govern-
ment, with his knowledge and advice regarding the
financial straits in which they found themselves.
Sir Hiles thereupon begged Mr. Edwardes to telegraph
to Sir F. Aglen urging him to return to Peking at
once (Peking telegram to Foreign Office No.194 of
the 28th January).
60. On the 28th January Sir M. Lampson sent
a circular telegram to all British consuls in China
as follows. - "In view of His Majesty's Government
having in their recent declaration agreed to im- mediate and unconditional levy of Washington sur-
taxes, we are not in a position to protest against
levy of new 23% surtaxes on imports and 5 on
luxury articles. You should, therefore, advise British
subjects to pay, at the same time letting them know
that you will render all possible assistance in any difficulties they may have with new revenue surtax department".
61.
165