§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he will state to the House the terms of the treaty or 563 agreement concluded with China on the subject of the rights of suzerainty, tribute, &c, claimed by that Power over Burma; and, whether Papers will be laid upon the Table in connection with these negotiations?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The substance of the Agreement respecting Burmah signed at Pekin on the 24th ultimo is as follows:—Her Majesty's Government agreed that the highest authority in Burmah should continue the customary ten-yearly Missions. China agreed that in all matters whatsoever appertaining to the authority and rule which England is now exercising in Burmah, England should be free to do whatever she deems fit and proper. China agreed to protect and encourage trade between China and Burmah, the frontier to be marked by a Delimitation Commission, and the conditions of the frontier trade to be settled by a Frontier Trade Commission. Her Majesty's Government consented to countermand the proposed Mission to Thibet, and the Chinese Government undertook to take steps to promote and stimulate trade between India and Burmah. A copy of the Agreement will be presented to Parliament as soon as it is received from Pekin in a formal shape.