31
copies of subsequent correspondence were sent.
I am quite satisfied that it was through
an oversight that we were not kept informed, and that
it was in no way intentional. Sir V. Wellesley
was very apologetic, as he said it was inexcusable
and he promised me that such a thing would not happen
in the future.
Sir V. Wellesley showed me the Foreign
Although
Office files in connection with the Boxer Indemnity
and the minutes of the various officials, from
the acting Secretary of State downwards.
different views are held by some or the people, the
agreement finally arrived at was that it would be
better to do nothing at all unless we go the whole
way, and as well as letting China off making
further payments, hand back the £2,500,000.
argument in favour of this course appears to be
suffer
would
that were we now to make a gesture, as I
Them we w release are from making any
and say
The
further payment and at the same time keep the £2,500,000☛ the Chinese would at once say we were
only releasing them from making further payments,
which meant very little, in order that we might
pinch the £2,500,000, and that it would have a very
bad effect in China.
I told him that the line our Secretary of
State would take at the Cabinet would be to urge
strongly that the £2,500,000 should not be handed
back.
G.G.
23.11115
BA6
47.11.78
atonce