Shanghai, 16th November, 1898.
My Lorp,—I have the honour to inform on that the Committee of this Chamber have passed the following Resolution, which is. in general confirmation of the views verbally expressed at their recent interview with your Lordship;—That in the opinion of this Committee the interests of both China and of the Foreign Powers having commercial relations with her, require that the equality of rights as secured by the existing Treaties be strictly safeguarded against any changes of an exclusive or preferential nature in favour of different nations in any part of the Empire, and further that it is desirable that in order to effect this end a general agreement be entered into between the Powers interested, guaranteeing the equality of commercial rights and po lieges to all nations alike."
I the honour to be, Your Lordship's obedient servant, Drummoxn Hay, Secretary. Rear Admiral Lord Cuartes
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.