CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913 — Page 487

486

F

the Legation during the recent troubles, and the latter is

under obligations to Great Britain for having taken the

lead in the matter of recognition of the now Administration,

Under these ciros ances I cast about for some

way of turning these favourable sentiments to account. I

could not, I thought, expect to obtain any special favours

in regard to claims for losses during the revolution, as

any favour granted to me would, at once, establish a prece-

dent which would be olted by my colleagues in any similar

cases in which they might be interested.

The claims of the China Commercial Steamship Com-

pany were not, however, open to this objection, and it co-

curred to me that it might be worth while to attempt a set-

tlement by negotiation, whilst reserving the right to re-

vert to the proposal for arbitration should my efforts

prove unsuccessful.

I have the honour to be with the highest reapoct,

sir,

your most obedient

humble servant,

Francis Sherige

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