}
2
22
issues, the meeting proved abortive. Apart from any
other consideration the notice was far too short.
3. The representative of the Ministry then asked the Consul-General to arrange with me for a personal interview. This I granted on the 10th of February and
I now have the honour to transmit the enclosed memorandum
of the proceedings on that occasion. The interview was
entirely informal but I trust that I have sent Mr. Hsieh
away convinced that no concessions are to be obtained
from this Government until his own has taken steps to
bring the efficiency of their section within measurable
distance of that provided by ours.
4. I am glad to be able to add that matters which
were the intended subjects of the conference at Canton
are now on the way to satisfactory solution.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,
Hine
Governor, &c.