A.—2,

21

3. I should be glad to learn whether His Majesty's Government in New Zealand would also wish to present specimen trees to mark the occasion. In this event it is suggested that the seedlings should be forwarded at as early a date as possible to His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai, who would be instructed to inform His Majesty's Minister at Peking of their arrival. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.Y.0., &c.

Enclosures. No. 377 (18/24R). No. 1. Via Siberia. (F. 1657/1008/10.) Sir — British Legation, Peking, 11th March, 1929. With reference to my despatch, No. 344, of sth March, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a translation of a further note which has been addressed to me by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in connection with the proposed arrangments for the funeral of Sun Yat Sen. 2. This note expresses the desire that the special Envoys, deputed by the foreign Powers to attend the funeral, should bring with them seedlings of one or two trees which grow in their countries to be planted as a memorial of the occasion. 3. Mr. Newton had already informed me of the possibility that such a request would be put forward and I had ascertained by inquiry that the common British trees, such as oak, ash, elm, chestnut, plane, and poplar, do well in the well-known nursery attached to the Nanking University. 4. In the circumstances I venture to suggest that the competent authorities, either at Kew Gardens or elsewhere, be consulted with a view to suitable seedlings being sent out for the purpose specified, at as early a date as possible. Presumably they will know at which time of the year, and by what route, they could best be forwarded. It would no doubt be best that they should be consigned to the Consulate General at Shanghai, who would be instructed to inform me of their arrival, and ask for instructions as to their final disposal. As explained in the enclosed note, it is not essential that the seedlings should be delivered on the actual date of the State funeral, but it would clearly be preferable that their delivery and plantation should synchronize as nearly as possible with that event. 5. I should be glad to learn, preferably by Siberia, or by telegram, what arrangements are made regarding this matter. I have, &c., Miles W. Lampson. The Eight Honourable Sir Augten Chamberlain, P.C., K.G., &c., Foreign Office. No. 2. [Translation.] From Wai Chiao Pu to H.M. Minister. Nanking, 9th February, 1929. [Received from H.M. C.G., Shanghai, by safe hand, Ist March, 1929.] Sir,— I have already had the honour to address a note to Your Excellency requesting that your Government should invest you with the additional title of Special Envoy to come to the capital and take part in the State funeral ceremonies of Mr. Sun Chung-shan, first President of the Chinese Republic. I now have the honour to inform you that a mandate has been received from the National Government reading as follows : — " A request has been received from Mr. Lin Sen and others, the special officers for escorting the coffin, that the guests of all nationalities should be informed that all persons taking part in the funeral ceremonies are earnestly requested to bring with them tree-seedlings of one or two trees which grow in their countries, two to four of each kind, and are asked to hand them all over to the special forestry official of the special office which has been created, who will collect and keep them, and in due course plant them to remain for ever as a memorial. This procedure is approved, and it is requested that your Ministry will be so good as to inform guests of all nationalities accordingly." I have the honour to inform Your Excellency accordingly, and to ask that you will be so good as to obtain tree-seedlings of your country, but in view of the distance there is no objection to extending the period for the journey and the handing-over of the seedlings, which need not definitely be fixed to take place on the date of the State funeral this year. They can be planted whenever they arrive to remain for ever as a memorial. I earnestly hope that Your Excellency will be able to do this. A similar Note is being addressed (to the guests of all nations). I avail, &c., Wang Cheng T'ing. (Seal of the Wai Chaio Pu.)