23
4.
similar to that in article 4 of our tariff treaty, to
the effect that in case of doubt, English text shall
prevail.
Chinese may object but we may as well try for it.
Can you give me precedents for this with case of Japan
or any other Great Powers.
I note that there is no reference in draft to
repeal of relevant articles in previous treaties.
Should Chinese raise point (but not otherwise) it
might be advisable to add article running somewhat as
follows: "It is agreed that provisions of present
treaty, where incompatible with those of earlier
treaties between Great Britain and China, shall
prevail". Do you agree?
In view of recent Chinese note requesting
abolition of extra-territoriality
see Mr. Newton's
telegram to Peking No. 83 - it becomes more desirable
that I should be given discretion to present final
draft to Wang on my arrival in the South next week:
matter therefore is urgent and I beg for early reply
to the points in this telegram. Might I also now
have wording of formal preamble and ending (see
paragraph 19 of your despatch No, 295) so that I can
put in complete text to Minister for Foreign Affairs,