As regards the reforms. to be effected in the system of policing and protection on the principal railways, I stated in my last note that the Chinese Government look upon the whole matter of railway policing and protection, as an urgent problem of China's internal administration, of which they are fully conscious of their responsibility for a practical solution. I wish again to assure Your Exgellency, however, that while the Chinese Government cannot commit themselves to the scheme or schemes which the Diplomatic Body intends to present, they fully appreciate the interest which it takes in this problem and its readiness to col-elaborate.
The Chinese Government sincerely believe that a vigorous and sustained campaign against brigandage, together with the new measures for the protection of the principal railways, will result in a decided improvement in the situation as regards the safety of travel and residence in the interior of China. 7 I avail myself of this opportunity fo renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.