Blue Book, p

[\"lO CONVENTIONS DE PE-KING

A.rt. I. — The Treaty of Peace and Amils between the two nations, signed at Nankin- on the twenty-ninth daj of ^ugust, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-two, is herebj renewed and confirmed.

The Supplementarj Treatj and General Régulations of Trade having becn amended and improved, and the substance of their provisions having been incorporated in this Treaty, the said Supplementary Treaty and General Régulations of Trade are hereby abrogated.

Aut. II. — For thebetter préservation of barmony in future, lier Majesty the Queen of Greal Britain and His Majesty the Emperor of China mutualiy agrée that, in accordance with the universal practice of great and friendly nations, lier Majest) the Queen may, if Shc sce fit, appoint Ambassadors, Ministers, or otber Diplomatie Agents to Uic Court of Peking ; and lii- Majest) the Emperor of Cbina may, in like nianner, if Ile see lit, appoint Ambassadors, Ministers, or otber Diplomatie Agents, to the Court of St. James'.

Art. III. — His Majesty the Emperor of Cbina bereby agrées, that the Ambassador, Minister, or otber Diplomatie Agent, so appointed by lier Majesty the Queen of Great Britain. may réside, with his l'amily and establishment, permancntly at the capital, or may visit it occasionally. al the option of the British Government. Ile shall not be called upon lo perform any ceremony derogatory to him as representing the Sovereign ol an independent nation on a footing of cqualit\ with that of China. On the other hand, lie shall use the same l'ornis of ceremon\ and respect to His Majesty the Emperor as are employed by the Ambassadors, Ministers, or Diplomatie Agents of lier Majesty towards the Sovereigns of independent and equal European nations

It is further agreed, that lier Majesty's Government may acquire at Peking a site for building, or may hire bouses for the accommodation of Her Majesty's Mission, and that the Chinese Government will assist it in so doing.

Her Majesty's Représentative skall be at liberty lo choose his own servants and attendants, who shall not be subjected to any kind of molestation whatever.

\ny person guilty of disrespect or violence to lier Majesl\ s Représentât iM\ or lo any rnember ofhis faniily or establishment, in deed or word, shall be severely punished.

Aut. IV. — It is further agreed, that no obstacle or difliculty

TREATY OF PEACE l\ 2 1

shall be madé to thc free movements of Her Majesty 's Représentative, and that lie, and the pcrsons of his suite, may corae and go, and tr'avel at llieir pleasure. Ile shall, moreover, hâve full liber! y to send and receive his correspondence to and from anv point on the sea-coast that he may sélect ; and his lctters and effects shall be held sacred and inviolable. He may employ, for llieir transmission, spécial couriers, who shall meet with the sanie protection and facilities for travelling as the persons employed in carfying despa telles for the Impérial Government ; and, generally, be shall enjoy the saine privilèges as are accorded to oflicers of the same rank bv the usage and consent of \\ estern nations.

Ail expenses attending the Diplomatie Mission of Great Britain shall be borne bv the British Government.

Art. V. - - His Majesty the Emperor of China agrées to nominale one of the Secretaries of State, or a Président of one of the Boards, as the high olïicer with whom the Ambassador, Minister, or other Diplomatie Agent of lier Majesty the Queen, shall transact business, either personally or in writing, on a footing of perfect equality.

Art. VI. - Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain agrées that the privilèges hereby secured shall be enjoyed in her dominions by thc Ambassadors, \linisters, or Diplomatie Agents of the Emperor of China, accrediled Lo the Court of Her Majesty.

Art. VII. — lier Majesty the Queen may appoint one or more Consuls in thc dominions of the Emperor of China ; and such Consul or Consuls shall be at liberty to réside in any of the open ports or cities of China, as lier Majeslv thc Queen may consider most expédient for the interests of British commerce. Tbev shall be treatcd witb duc respect by the Chinese autborities, and enjoy the same privilèges and immunities as the Consulat- Oflicers of the most favoured nation.

Consuls and Vice-Consuls in charge, shall rank v\ ith Intendents of Circuits; Vice-Consuls, Acting Vice-Consuls, and Interpreters, with Prefects. They shall bave access to the oflicial résidences of thèse oflicers, and communicate with tbem, either personally or in writing, on a footing of equality, as the interests of the public service may require.

Art. VIII. — The Christian religion, as professed by Protestants or Roman Catholics, inculcates the practice of virtue, and teaches man to do as be would be donc bv. Persons teaching or professing il, therefore, shall alike be cntitled to the pro-