2.
British public opinion not only here but at home with us in abandonment of extraterritoriality which
was more important than he perhaps realised.
4. Finally he offered to recommend to Central
political committee reservation of Shangi alone, But it would have to be strictly limited as to time.
I told him that was not enough, and that question of time was one concerning the whole treaty, and pressed
him to increase his bid: but he would not respond
and, talked of a breakdown, and of the disastrous
results it would entail: he was sitting on safety
valve and all sorts of unpleasantness would result if
we did not settle before May 5th. I enquired why
this indecent haste? and why talk about a breakdown?
it was for him to decide and if he wished to break
off (? gps. und.) it be, but China at a critical moment
of reconstruction could hardly be the gainer if she
forfeited our goodwill. I should not personally admit
any breakdown; rather, as in normal negotiation, that
we had reached a crucial stage where the two govern-
ments must sit back and take full stock of the position
in the hope of finding further points of contact.
His haste for May 5th was purely his domestic concern:
to me it smacked of unwise haste over a matter of
first class importance to the whole fabric of our
future relations.
5.
Several times I purposely drew him on other
ground in order to show my lack of anxiety e.g.
shipping, personal status, etc. But he kept coming
back to his offer of Shanghai.
6.
166