Meanwhile the Nanking Government have issued a manifesto in Which
they say that, though they are eager for reconstruction, it cannot be effected so long as restrictions are imposed upon China by the unequal Treaties. They suggest that the best security for foreigners is a "sincere and mutual understanding" between China and the Powers, and that this can be brought about only by the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops. This is an assertion which would be extremely agreeable to all if it were justified, but the awkward facts remain that the Nanking Government have not yet made any amends for the Nanking murdeii Of last year, although they have repeatedly admitted their responsibility, and that they have not observed the conditions of the salt loans, having failed to pay anything towards the service of the loans.
