No. 163.
Mr. Avery
to Mr. Fish.
Peking, June 14, 1875. (Received August 9.)
Sir: A short time ago, Mr. A. B. Christiernson, vice-consul for Sweden and Norway, at Shanghai, brought to me a letter of introduction from W. Scott Fitz, acting consul-general for those countries at the same place, which stated that he came to Peking to acquire information which may prove useful to the Swedish government, and asking me to give him any advice or assistance in my power.
Mr. Christiernson represented that he was under the instructions of his royal master to ascertain the exact nature of the relations between Sweden and Norway and China, and as this legation has been for some years the intermediary for Sweden with Peking authorities, I volunteered to aid him in procuring the information he sought. For this purpose I put him in communication with the Tsungli Yamen, who courteously accorded him an interview with their secretaries, Mr. Holcombe, acting secretary of this legation, acting as interpreter, questions of etiquette and rank preventing the Yamen themselves from attending.
It appears that the Swedish treaty made at Canton, so long ago as 1848, although approved by the King, and always regarded as valid by the Chinese government, which issued a new edition of it in 1869, has never been formally ratified.
The Tsungli Yamen directed their secretaries to say that an exchange of ratifications can still be secured in the usual manner, and a note to this effect was sent to this legation after Mr. Christiernson’s interview.
Mr. Christiernson was personally informed that no difficulty would be raised about the recognition of merchant consuls of his nation.
As the Swedish government is apparently disposed to extend its commercial relations in this quarter, the liberality of the Chinese ministers will have to it a practical value.
It is not at all unlikely that a commissioner or envoy may be sent here in due time, to exchange formal ratifications.
I have advised that course as most prudent.
I have, &c.,