136
2.
Kingdom, in many matters we have legal powers which
are exercised only in very exceptional cases, so
that though our normal practice is such as to give
the Chinese as full a measure of reciprocity as they
could reasonably desire, it would be difficult
formally to bind ourselves to give such reciprocity
by treaty. (see, for example, my telegrensNos. 49 (44)
and 94 dealing with shipping and arbitration.)
3.
e have, therefore, devised a new formula
with variations which represents the most we can co
to meet this difficulty.
It will be observed,
however, that the cffect would be to give Chinese
citizens benefits only in the United Kingdom and
not in the other parts of the Empire on whose sehalf
it is anticipated that the treaty will be signeo;
whereas, benefits in China under the treaty will be
enjoyed by British subjects from all parts of the
Lmpire.
4. It will be necessary to explain this new
proposal to the Dominions but before this is done,
we should be glad to know for certain that this
formula is acceptable to the chinese government.
Alterations of the text which will be
5.
necessary if the formula is acceptable, are set out
in my telegrams Nos. 94, 95, 96, 97 and 98.