CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921 — Page 78

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4.

Government, Hongkong, subsequent to the departure of Sir 1.kay) to Sir

J.Jordan: Telegram: States that Hongkong Government desire to amend

Article II (a) of the agreement and asks that signing of agre-ment be

postponed. A letter of exlanation will follow.

March 25th 1919: Inspector-General to Sir J. Jordan (semi-official):

States that he has succeeded in persuading Chinese Coverment to agree

to withdrawal of interpolations in the Chinese text, but that they

are xious to arrange for an exchange of notes defining and explaining certain points in the agreement.

Farch 29th 1919: Sir J.Jordan to Hongkong: Suggests advisability of compliance with Wai Chino Pu's request, the notes to be exchanged

not affecting the sense of the agreement. States that letter of explana-

tion promised in Er. Severn's telegram of December 27th,1920 hs not

been received and asks if he is correct in assuming that liongkong has decided not to nroceed with their request for postponement of signature. On the same date Sir J. Jordan wrote to the Inareotor-General stating

that he saw no objection to the proposed exchange of notes.

April 11th 1919: Tai Chiao Fu to Sir J.Jordan: Arees to withdrawal of alterations in Thinese text subject to an exchange of notes, Inspec- tor-General has been authorised to sign on behalf of the Chinese Govern- ment.

April 22nd, 1919: Sir J.Jordan to Hongkong: Sends copies of correspondence with Wai Chiso Pu and states that all is now in readiness for signing agrement.

April 28th.1919: Er. Severn to ir J. Jordan: States that Hongkong has decided not to proceed with negotiations. isgivings have from the first been felt with regard to the Salt clauses and further investiga- tion has convinced Government that it would be unwise to impose tax on salt entering the Colony. He considers that the procrastination of the Chinese Government and their nation in introducing alterations in the agreement at the last moment fully justify the Hongkong Government in reconsidering their position. They have come to the conclusion that Hongkong receives no adequate return under the terms of the reement for the concessions made to the Chinese Government and that in any aase the present political situation in China would postpone indefinite- ly the effective operation of the agreement. He asks Sir J.Jordan to

notify