§ MR. ALDERMAN W. M'ARTHURasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Chefoo Convention, made by Sir Thomas Wade with the Chinese Government in September 1876, has been ratified by Her Majesty's Government; and, if so, why the Papers relating thereto have not been laid before Parliament; whether China has fulfilled in good faith her part of the Treaty, and opened the several ports promised therein; and, whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction prevails in China in consequence of the delay in carrying out the stipulations agreed upon by Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI am informed that Her Majesty's Government have not yet formally approved of the whole of the arrangements concluded by Sir Thomas Wade. Some of its stipulations cannot come into operation without the concurrence of the other Treaty Powers. The Report of the Indian Government on the clauses relating to the opium trade are still under consideration by Her Majesty's Government, and they hope shortly to be able to announce the decision they have arrived at. The Chinese Government have opened the new trading ports in accordance with the terms of the Treaty, although the stipulations as to the posting of the Proclamations have not been fulfilled in 261 some parts of the country. Her Majesty's Government are not aware that any great dissatisfaction prevails in China on the ground that the Convention has not been ratified.