§ MR. REESTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the assurances given by the Government of China to the British Legation at Peking to the effect that no change would be made in the methods of the administration of Chinese customs have been carried 1585 out; and whether the resignation of Sir Robert Hart is due to any failure to carry out such assurances.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) Mr. Carnegie, His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Peking, has informed us of the new instructions to the Inspector General of Customs. They do not appear to be contrary to the assurances given by the Chinese Government, that the actual administration of the Customs will continue as before. But I am inquiring as to whether this has been made quite clear. His Majesty's Government have no reason to believe that the report of the intended resignation of Sir Robert Hart is correct.