unfortunate incident and we earnestly desired a settlement in which political con- siderations played no part. We considered that our present proposal fulfilled the requirements of both sides and was a fitting tribute to the Allied soldiers who had fallen during the war. We therefore
hoped that the Chinese Government would
see it in this light and would not quarrel over details. I told Dr. Cheng Tien-hsi that I would communicate to you my pro- posal regarding the composition of the committee, and ask you to put it to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs.
I am, &c.
ERNEST BEVIN.