In closing this communication 1 wish again to assure Your Excellency that the safety of foreigners in the interior has always been a subject of the deepest solicitude on the part of the Chinese Government. If such an untoward event as the Lincheng incident has nevertheless occurred, it has been due to cireumstances which could not have been anticipated. It is, however, the firm intention of the Chinese Government that in the protection of foreign nationals in China no effort should be spared on. the part. of the Provincial authorities, With this object in view, they have once -more enjoined the military and ¢ authorities of the Provinces aby a Mandaie of fullest p: sation to all foreigners August to afford the.
within their jurisdiction and declared their determination to hold them to a strict accountability in the performance" of this essential duty on their part The Chinese Governmant. trust that through the series of new measures which they have recently adopted relative to the organization of the railway police forces, the suppression of brigandage and the better protection of foreign nationals in the Provinces, the lives, the property, the rights and interests of foreigners in China will be able to enjoy added security throughout the country.
I have the honour to add that identical communication is being addressed to the other Chiefs of Missions who are signatories of the Note under reply.
T avail myself of this iippartua: ity to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.
(Signed) V. K. Wellington Koo.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.