CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909 — Page 304

C.O

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Gove: 40792

RECR

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

No. 1.

Race 17 FC 09

303

[October 1.]

SECTION 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 1.)

[36449]

(No. 160.)

(Telegraphic.) P.

CUSTOMS succession.

Peking, October 1, 1909.

In view of the information contained in your telegram No. 161 of the 27th ultimo, I am of opinion that we should no longer delay demanding from the Chinese Govern- ment the due fulfilment of the promise given to us on the 19th February of last year, otherwise we run the risk of seeing the substantive rank conferred on Sir Robert Bredon.

We might, I think, enquire of the Chinese whom they propose to appoint as inspector-general, while adhering to Mr. Hippisley as our own selection.

I would advise that, before taking any decisive step, the China Association be warned that it may not be possible to secure an appointment perfectly satisfactory to them, in view of the fact that the Chinese may quite possibly refuse to accept Mr. Hippisley or any other candidate whom we may happen to put forward.

I am strongly of opinion that the present state of affairs should not be allowed to continue. Sir Robert Bredon, however, relying on the support of numerous foreign and Chinese friends, is certain to offer strenuous opposition, which it might be no light or particularly agreeable task to meet, and which I would willingly avoid were it possible. For this reason I would welcome an assurance from a body, such as the China Association, capable of giving an authoritative opinion as to whether our objection to Sir Robert Bredon is fully warranted by the requirements of our interests in this country.

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