§ 18. Mr. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether certain 2346 articles in the recent demands made by Japan upon China have been by mutual consent held over for discussion at a future date; and whether His Majesty's Government, when this discussion takes place, will use its influence with both Powers to ensure that any agreement arising will not infringe the sovereign rights of China as an independent State or the principle of equal opportunity for trade now existing in that country?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, the two Powers concerned are well aware of the importance of the principles indicated, and there is no reason to suppose that they have any intention of concluding an agreement which would conflict with those principles.