shall not be called upon to perform any ceremony derogatory to him as represen- ting the Sovereign of an independent nation on a footing of equality with that of China. On the other hand, he shall use the same forms of ceremony and respect to His Majesty the Emperor as are employed by the Ambassadors, Ministers, or Diplomatic Agents, of Her Majesty towards the Sovereigns of independent and equal European nations.
It is further agreed, that Her Majesty's Government may acquire at Peking a site for building, or may hire houses for the accommodation of Her Majesty's Mission, and that the Chinese Goverument will assist it in so doing.
Her Majesty's Representative shall be at liberty to choose his own servants and attendants, who shall not be subjected to any kind of molestation whatever.
Any person guilty of disrespect or violence to Her Majesty's Representative, or to any member of his family or establishment, in deed or word, shall be severe- ly punished.
Art. IV.—It is further agreed, that no obstacle or difficulty shall be made to the free movements of Her Majesty's Representative, and that he, and the persons of his suite, may come and go, and travel at their pleasure. Ho shall, moreover, have full liberty to send and receive his correspondence to and from any point on the sea-coast that he may select; and his letters and effects shall be held sacred and inviolable. He may employ, for their transmission, special couriers, who shall meet with the same protection and facilities for travelling as the persons employed in carrying despatches for the Imperial Government; and, generally, he shall enjoy the same privileges as are accorded to officers of the same rank by the usage and consent of Western nations.
All expenses attending the Diplomatic mission of Great Britain shall be borne by the British Government.
Art. V.-His Majesty the Emperor of China agrees to nominate one of the Se- cretaries of State, or a President of one of the Boards, as the high officer with whom the Ambassador, Minister, or other Diplomatic Agent of Her Majesty the Queen shall transact business, either personally or in writing, on a footing of perfect equality.
Art. VI.-Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain agrees that the privileges hereby secured shall be enjoyed in her dominions by the Ambassadors, Ministers, or Diplomatic Agents of the Emperor of China, accredited to the Court of Her Majesty.
Art. VII.-Her Majesty the Queen may appoint one or more Consuls in the domi- nions of the Emperor of China; and such Consul or Consuls shall be at liberty to reside in any of the open ports or cities of China, as Her Majesty the Queen may consider most expedient for the interests of British commerce. They shall be treated with due respect by the Chinese authorities, and enjoy the same privileges and immunities as the Consular Officers of the most favoured nation.
Consuls and Vice-Consuls in charge shali rank with Intendants of Circuit; Vice- Consuls, Acting Vice-Consuls, and Interpreters, with Prefects. They shall have access to the official residences of these officers, and communicate with them, either personally or in writing on a footing of equality, as the interests of the public ser- vice may require.
Art. VIII.—The Christian religion, as professed by Protestants or Roman Catho- lics, inculcates the practice of virtue, and teaches man to do as he would be done by. Persons teaching it or professing it therefore, shall alike be entitled to the protec- tion of the Chinese authorities; nor shall any such, peaceably pursuing their calling, and not offending against the laws, be persecuted or interfered with.
Art. IX.-British subjects are hereby authorized to travel, for their pleasure or
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