Page:A wandering student in the Far East vol.1 - Zetland.djvu/390

308 drew up and submitted to King Theebaw the articles of a secret treaty. Let me quote Dr Morrison's own words:—

"By this treaty French influence was to become predominant in Upper Burma; the country was to become virtually a colony of France, with a community of interest with France, with France to support her in any difficulty with British Burma. Fortunately for us, French intrigue outwitted itself, and the Secret Treaty became known. It was in this way. Draft copies of the agreement, drawn up in French and Burmese, were exchanged between M. Haas and King Theebaw. But M. Haas could not read Burmese, and he distrusted the King. A trusted interpreter was necessary, and there was only one man in Mandalay that seemed to him sufficiently trustworthy. To Signor A, then, the Italian Chargé d'Affaires and manager of the Irrawadi Flotilla Company, M. Haas went, and, pledging him to secrecy, sought his assistance as interpreter.

"As M. Haas had done, so did his Majesty the King. Two great minds were being guided by the same spirit. Theebaw could not read French, and he distrusted M. Haas. An interpreter was essential, and casting about for a trusted one, he decided that no one could serve him so faithfully as Signor A, and straightway sought his assistance as M. Haas had done. Their fates were in his hands; which master should the Italian serve, the French or the Burmese?