SERRUYS, Chargé d’Affaires of Belgium to ( Note .—For the reply of the Tsung-li Yamên to this introductory note, see inclosure No. 2 with Mr. Seward’s No. 523, later on in this volume.), November 8, 1879

Introductory dispatch to the Tsung-li Yamên on the conferences of the foreign representatives.

The undersigned have the honor to inform the Prince of Kung and the ministers of the Tsung-li Yamên that they have been engaged in conference upon the internal taxation of foreign trade in this country; upon the administration of justice, and upon the conditions of intercourse, whether in correspondence or otherwise, between Chinese and foreign officials in the province.

In these three categories may be said to be included almost every matter to which attention seems to be demanded, whether for the removal of what may be characterized as a grievance, or for the introduction of changes that will modify what is in appearance either unreasonable or inexpedient.

The undersigned will very shortly be prepared to lay before His Imperial Highness and their excellencies the conclusions at which their deliberations have enabled them to arrive.

The course now pursued by the undersigned being simply in accord with the spirit of, declarations repeatedly made by His Imperial Highness and their excellencies, the undersigned are the more convinced that the propositions which they are about to submit to them will receive the most careful attention.

The undersigned renew to His Imperial Highness and their excellencies the assurance of their highest consideration.