CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 49

[This Document is the Property of His Brituuri- *:

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[45914]

No. 1.

[November 20.]

SECTION 4.

Sir R. Hart to Sir Edward Grey.---(Received November 20.)

Dear Sir Edward,

38, Cadogan Place, London, November 20, 1909. IT may interest you to know that the Wai-wu Pu (Foreign Office, Peking) has just wired urging me to return, and that a second telegram communicates a very complimentary Imperial decree expressing satisfaction with my work hitherto and confidence in my management, and instructing me to lose no time in returning to my post and resuming duty. I have replied that I am not equal to the Siberian railway journey, but am arranging to return as soon as possible (spring) by sea viâ Suez and Shanghae.

So far there is no sign of being tired with my services, and the Chinese Govern- ment is just doing all it can do to get me back. As I said when we last met, I shall postpone final decision till the time comes for me to secure my passage in January.

Sincerely yours,

ROBERT HART.

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