agency.
3.
53
5.
It is obvious therefore that this political
purpose of the Canton authorities would not be served
by a change in the Chinese title of the incumbent
signifying that they were not in a position to make
the same appointment as Peking. Moreover they would
incur the responsibility of giving away a right
secured to the Chinese Telegraph Administration under
the 1884 agreement with the Eastern Telegraph Com-
pany. That agreement was approved by His Majesty's
Government and I enclose a copy of it for facility
of reference.
6.
The attitude of the Canton officials in
this question is therefore comprehensible, as is
also their feeling that the Peking administration
should no longer be allowed to exercise control in a
matter so far removed from the Northern territory.
I have the hohour to be,
sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
(Sa) J.F.Brenan.
Acting Consul-General.