CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907 — Page 269

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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government. 268

AFFAIRS OF CHINA,

CONFIDENTIAL.

[16214]

No. 1.

Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,

(No. 219. Confidential.) Sir,

C. O. [Jane81622

SECTION 1.

Are 18 JUN 07,

Foreign Office, June 3, 1907. I HAVE received your despatch No. 165 of the 2nd April, reporting that a feeling of uneasiness has been produced in the Imperial Maritime Customs Service by the promotion to indoor rank as assistants of four Chinese clerks in the outdoor service, and by certain instructions issued by Sir R. Hart, enjoining Commissioners to make more use of the Chinese staff, both indoor and outdoor.

His Majesty's Government would have preferred that there should be no changes in the manner in which the Customs indoor staff are recruited and promoted, but, if it is impossible to resist the claim for some increase in the employment of Chinese, they agree with your view that the important point is to secure that when a Chinese is appointed the appointment should be made on European, and not Chinese, lines. It is left to your discretion whether to urge this by approaching the Chinese Government or Sir R. Hart, or both, on the matter.

In any case the first action should be unofficial, and should be taken when an opportunity presents itself of doing so without giving offence.

If Sir R. Hart had resisted the innovations, or had informed His Majesty's Government that this was an unwelcome change, you would be on stronger ground, but as matters stand it is necessary to be careful that His Majesty's Government are not put in a position of disadvantage in dealing with the Chinese Government by finding themselves apparently opposed to him. It seems clear that at present it is only through him that the appointments to the indoor staff of the Maritime Customs can be controlled.

I am, &c. (Signed) E. GREY.

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