CO129-619-1 Parliamentary delegation to China 1-9-1947 - 23-12-1947 — Page 139

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British merchants in Shanghai foel that in existing

economic and political circumstances the longer the

conclusion of the new treaty could be delayed the

better, and this feeling is largely shared by our

Nanking Embassy. It should be seen in the course

of the next few months whether the presont Central

Government at Nanking can maintain themselves.

In the meantime, the reply to any enquiries on the

subject should be to the effect that inter-

departmental consultations are still proceeding and

that the completion of these has been delayed by the

absence of treaty experts on I.T.0. matters and other

engagements.

6. It is proposed to negotiate a separate

consular convention at a later date.

August, 1947.

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