British Navy Henceforward as Guests only: No Rights Admissible Peking, Oct. 11.
Replying to the speech of Mr. Blunt, the British Officer administering the Government of Weihaiwei, at the opening meeting of the Weihaiwei Retrocession Joint Commission on October 2, Mr. M. T. Liang, the head of the Chinese Commission, said "We have just heard an interesting opening speech from His Honour Mr.+Blunt, the Officer Administering the Government of Weihaiwei, a territory which is to engage immediately our attention.
"He made reference to the recent famine relief work here in which the community contributed some $70,000, which will undoubtedly be remembered by all with everlasting gratitude. Though sad, the occasion, evincing deep sympathies in all quarters, will go down in the history of Weihaiwei as one of its illuminating chapters.
"As regards the administration to which Mr. Blunt has alluded, I need hardly repeat what I have frequently said, that we admire what _we have seen and that when the Territory has been retroceded it will be our duty to maintain its present efficiency.
"We have come here this morning to discuss what may appear to be a problem—as most international adjustments are. There may be little differences of opinion arising now and then, but if we would on these occasions imagine ourselves in one another's boots, als we say at times, these differences will disappear.
"We truly rely upon the British delegates, in the negotiations that are to take place immediately, to keep in mind that there are other spots in China whic'. in the course of time must also be returned to us, and that what they desire to have may establish precedents difficult for our Government in the future. They are, therefore, in a position to ease our future situation, and we are confident that they will do so, "We are hopeful that the arrangements reached here will be approved by our respective Governments.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.