Reply to the Yamên’s note forwarding copy of instructions to Chinese ministers abroad, December 3, 1879

Reply to the Yamên’s note forwarding copy of instructions to Chinese ministers abroad.

Sir Thomas Wade presents his compliments to the Prince of Kung and the ministers of the Tsung-li Yamên.

Sir Thomas Wade received upon the 30th November a semi-official note from the Yamên addressed to himself and his colleagues, the representatives of the treaty powers recently assembled in Peking.

There was forwarded with the note, in English and foreign languages, a printed copy of the instructions issued by the Tsung-li Yamên to the missions of the Chinese Government abroad in March, 1878, with which the representatives addressed were requested to acquaint themselves.

Several of the foreign representatives, as the Prince and ministers are aware, have already left Peking. Copies of the note have, however, been forwarded to all.

At the request of such of his colleagues as are still here, Sir Thomas Wade acknowledges the note which His Imperial Highness and their excellencies have done them the honor to write. He is to add that the substance of the Yamên’s instructions to Chinese missions is believed to be generally known to the representatives of the treaty powers.