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Rh to his residence in the same manner. An escort of troops shall likewise be sent to the residence of said Representative to accompany him going and returning.

4°. When presenting his letters of credence or communication from the Head of the State by whom he is accredited, the Diplomatic Agent, while bearing said letters of communications, shall pass by the central openings of the Palace doors until he has arrived in the presence of His Majesty. On returning from these audiences he will comply, as regards the doors by which he may have to pass, with the usages already established at the Court of Peking for audiences given to Foreign Representatives.

5°. The Emperor shall receive directly into his hands the letters and communications above mentioned which the Foreign Representatives may have to hand to him.

6°. If His Majesty should decide upon inviting to a banquet the Representatives of the Powers it is well understood that this banquet shall be given in one of the halls of the Imperial Palace and that His Majesty shall be present in person.

7°. In brief, the ceremonial adopted by China as regards Foreign Representatives shall, in no case, be different from that which results from perfect equality between the Countries concerned and China, and without any loss of prestige on one side or the other.