103
Now
sent to China, the others electing to serve elsewhere
on account of the unpopularity of the Chinese Service.
the Service had been amalgamated with the General Service
and it would be possible to move officers on a more
satisfectory system. As to language, he was inclined to
think that the occasions on which it was necessary to
speak Chinese were few and far between, and as to this
SIR JOHN PRATT said that a man who really learnt Chinese
would have no time for practical work. He added that it
was difficult for a Consular Officer to go outside
official circles in China and such circles would not
include local bankers. As to this SIR FREDERICK LEITH-ROSS
considered that in present conditions in Chine, it was
almost essential for consular officers to get on good
terms with the leading Chinese bankers and merchants in
their districts. The importance of heving wide contacts
would fully justify their breaking any rules of etiquette.
As regards the language, MR. ASHTON GWATKIN said it was
possible for a Consular Officer to get on if he did not
know it but his efficiency was doubled if he did. He
suggested that it should not be compulsory to know the
language but that officers should be encouraged to learn
it by the prospect of a substantial language allowance.
SIR EDWARD CROWE said that he would consider the question
of reappointing an inspector of Consuler Services in
China; also the possibility of periodic conferences with
the Head of the Mission. He agreed with Sir John Pratt
that the complaints of inefficiency frequently fell to
the ground on being sifted, and such complaints were often
made by people who had themselves failed to form contacts
in China and allowed their business to go to ruin.
SIR FREDERICK LEITH-ROSS said that the complaints which
he hed received came from the more go-a-head British
firms and surprised him as he had not heard similar
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