CO129-386 - Public Offices & Others - 1911 — Page 408

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that all nations, however weak as regards armed force, and how- ever recently admitted to the society of nations, have an equal

title to consideration. It must be remembered, too, that the

object of this unworthy challenge was the distinguished Chinese

diplomatist whose noble plea for his country's release from Opium was heartily commended by the Bishops of London, Durham,

Norwich, Biringham, Liverpool, and Southwark, and many represen-

tatives of the Christian Churches and Missionary Societies of

Great Britain.

4. Finally, the Board objects to the appointment

because Sir C.C. Smith presented a report on the proceedings of

the Commission purporting to be made on behalf of his fellow--

delegates, but as to which they were not in fact consulted.

This fact appeared to so great an authority on constitutional

procedure as the late St. Hon. J.5. Ellis, a grave infraction

of official duty to which he was sericusly disposed to call

the attention of the House of Commons. The Poard cannot but

express its reret that H.M. Government should take so different

a view of this irregularity, which had been brought to the

notice of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs by Mr. Ellis and on

two occasions by Sir R. Laidlar.

1

For these reasons the Board feels constrained

earnestly to deprecate the appointment of Sir C.0.Smith.