2.6
8.
me in dealing with Anglo-Chinese relations, which
are as much my daily fare as they are yours, to have
the benefit, not only of consultation with you, but
of your counsel given in person to prominent
colonists in Hong Kong. For this reason also your
visits to me are more valuable than my visits to
you, much as, you know, I love visiting Peking and
indeed travelling anywhere in China.
You say that you were "just a trifle nettled"
at a telegram from Southorn, summarily dismissing"
your suggestion that, if Teichman could not come to
Hong Kong, the three Chinese Secretaries of the
Straits, Malaya and Hong Kong should go to Shanghai.
I have looked at Southorn's telegram, but do not see
any appearance of brusqueness in it. Certainly none
was intended; and the telegram was meant to convey
briefly, but courteously, the views of this Govern-
ment, which I have now set out at greater length.
As things are today in China, I cannot help
thinking that both the Minister at Peking and his
Chinese Secretary will be obliged to visit Shanghai