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Suggesting that the British Foreign Office instruct its Minister at Berlin to approach the German Foreign Office with a proposal that Britain and Germany should jointly mediate in the dispute between France and China and suggest that matters in dispute be submitted to American arbitration and asking him to approach Lord Granville to this end.

Transmitting Hart's telegram (see 1820) by special messenger.

Transmitting words he had previously failed to decipher.

Quoting from a letter received from a person who was behind the scenes at Paris, who reported a conversation with Admiral Peyron, Ministre de la Marine; the latter believed that France would go to the limit in China, even if they had to send 50,000 men to Peking, though they would accept, but not propose, mediation; present intention was to seize a 'gage' and occupy it with troops, but did not say where; the French were disappointed that China had not made proposals after the Foochow bombardment; France not actuated by a feeling of hostility towards China and only desired to be left quiet in Tonking.

Stating that Hart's telegram of yesterday was from him and not from Tsung Li Yamen and suggested simply what might succeed and what might also fail.

Concerning the delivery of a letter at Walmer Castle.

Transcribing Hart's telegram (see 1824); would probably know the result of the Cabinet Council tomorrow.

Hopes that something might be done to avert a move detrimental to British interests than to move any others.

Is obliged for Hart's telegram; welcomes the valuable suggestion, but thinks that Hart was not likely to know accurately French views and is doubtful about Germany's consenting to move.

Letter to Campbell had been dispatched to Ramsgate.

Contents of letter had been telegraphed to Hart.

Remarks that the Marquis Tseng's letter on the subject of mediation had stirred up the ministerial press at Paris, as strongly opposed to it as ever; appeared to be a marked difference of opinion between Ferry and Admiral Peyron, but the former would have his way at least till the Chambers met; meanwhile the 'politique des gages' was to continue and Admiral Courbet was to startle the world by some brilliant action; Germany reluctant to move because wished to see France occupied by complications abroad; advocates an offensive and defensive alliance between Britain and China, which would stop the French doings there, protect India from Russia and vastly increase British trade; Japan's interest would also be to support the alliance, which would keep matters quiet all over the East; Elswick would also benefit; Sir Edward Malet's Chinese experience would be useful should Granville instruct him to sound the German Foreign Office.

Transcribes telegram received from Hart to the effect that he believed France would accept the joint request suggested; Campbell concurs that it would be better to defer seeing Granville till the affair was ripe and crisis occurred. Also draft of letter from Rendel to Lord Granville, stating that he had let Hart know that his suggestion would be considered.

Trusts that England would be the first to move in the matter of peace, as Bismarck was biding his time to prove to China the greatness of German power and the value of Germany's friendship; German influence had been increasing in China, taking precedence over the English; the able pen that wrote the article in the Pall Mall Gazette on the 'British Navy' might write equally strongly about the manner representatives of Foreign Countries push their own manufactures, undermining and underbidding the English.

Concerning his visit to Ireland in consequence of bereavements in his wife's family.

Hart asking if steps had been taken in accordance with his suggestion.

Stating that Hart was eager to know whether his suggestion had had any result.

Transcribes telegram from Hart to the effect that France had requested American mediation; America had proposed that China should pay an indemnity which China indignantly rejected and with America discredited Germany must win all along the line.

Stating that he had sent Knight to Walmer with a note for Lord Granville.

Stating that mediation would not be accepted by France.