"No doubt, when Mr. Balfour made the above statements he had in mind the necessity of using Weihaiwei in time to come as a sanatorium or summer resort for British shins of war-coming from the tropical or southern. portions of the China station. Indeed, it is important to look out for the health of British naval officers and men. But is it not of far greater importance not to force the fact that the Chinese Navy has not had a home to take shelter in since the Britich_ occupation of Weihaiwei? Great Britain has already declared at the Washington Conference that Weihaiwei is to be returned under suitable conditions to the complete sovereignty of China. The Chinese Commissioners and Chinese Government and people naturally ex- ness, Scotland. pected that on the good faith and generosity of the British Government the Chinese Navy is now to have her home—the only naval harbour—returned to her so that her independence may no longer be threatened as heretofore. Whatever suitable conditions Mr. Balfour might have in mind at the Washington Conference they certainly could not be contrary to the spirit and words of the Nine Power Treaty.
"Naturally China being one of the signatory Powers who are obliged to live up to the spirit and words of the said treaty she is not at liberty to make commitments which would violate the sanctity of that treaty. Though the motives which prompted the British Government to ask for those conditions as mentioned in Mr. Balfour's letter may appear innocent enough, yet for China to agree to His Maiesty's Government retaining properties acanired to land. stores and ship without res-friction or duty goods required for naval uso in Weihaiwei will constitute no less an act wilfully mitted to the breach of that faithful pledge which China had given and had been given at Washington as embodied in the Nine Power Treaty. And it is the firm belief of the Chinese Commission that Great Britain who has always en-loyed the highest internation: respect and has been the unfailing champion or righteousness will not "ow with indifference a breach international faith of such grave nature, still less will she tempt China to do so.
"Therefore, the Chinese Commis. sioners, being guided by the principles laid dawn by the treaty between all Nine Powers are now nrenared to discuss only these conditions—which will not impair the sovereignty, the independence and the territorial integrity of the Chinese Revublic.
"After considering the question from all _noints of view wa can welcome His Majesty's ships into Weihaiwei Harbour as guests only."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.