§ 6. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked if the Government can see their way to forego the balance of the Boxer indemnity due to this country over and above what is necessary to pay proven claims for indemnity arising out of the Boxer disturbances, so as to avoid any accusation of making a profit out of China on the plea of indemnity?
§ Sir E. GREYThe British share of the Boxer indemnity was assessed as far as 1155 possible only on the basis of actual expenditure. Should it eventually be found when fully liquidated that there is any surplus, it will be returned to the Chinese Government, and its disposal would be left to their discretion. There will, therefore, be no question of making any profit out of it.
§ 7. Mr. D. HALLasked if pressure has been brought to bear upon the Chinese Government to pay further instalments of the Boxer indemnity; and if any promise or inducement has been held out to the Chinese Government that, in the event of that Government complying with the main terms suggested by the Powers who would provide what is known as the six-Power loan, the demand for the immediate payment of further instalments of the indemnity would not be persisted in?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. LYNCHHas any pressure been brought by this Government to bear on the Chinese Government to accept the six-Power loan on conditions which would fetter its free development?
§ Sir E. GREYI do not see that that has anything to do with the question as to the Boxer troubles. It is not at all relevant.